Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 6

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Denis Naughten

Question:

196 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting time for orthodontic treatment for children in each of the health board regions; the plans, if any, he has to reduce this waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4927/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of orthodontic treatment and the maintenance of waiting lists are the statutory responsibility of the health boards. I have had inquiries made of the health boards and the following is the information requested by the Deputy:

Health Boards	Average Waiting Timefor Treatment
Eastern	4 years for orthodontic assessment
Midland	1.4 to 2.6 years
Mid Western	2.5 years
North Eastern	2.5 years
North Western	2.5 to 4 years
South Eastern	23 months
Southern	3 years
Western	2.5 to 3 years

Orthodontic services are being developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. An additional £1.45 million was made available to health boards in their financial determinations for the year 2000 specifically for the development of their orthodontic services under the plan.

The Eastern Health Board is in the process of developing a second regional orthodontic unit on the campus of St. Colmcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown. This unit is targeted for completion in May 2000. My Department has also approved a proposal from the Eastern Health Board for a third regional orthodontic unit to be situated on the campus of Beaumont Hospital. The Eastern Health Board proposes to advertise shortly through the Local Appointments Commission for the recruitment of an additional two consultant orthodontists.

The North Eastern Health Board has recently opened a new orthodontic unit in Navan and also proposes to develop an orthodontic unit in Dundalk.

I am also considering proposals for the introduction of a grade of orthodontic specialist in the health board services. The introduction of this grade should have a significant effect on treatment waiting lists.