Bernard J. Durkan
Question:188 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children who received their initial orthodontic treatment in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10151/00]
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.
The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons is the statutory responsibility of each of the health boards. Waiting lists for orthodontic treatment are maintained by the health boards and my Department does not have available to it information pertaining to the waiting lists in the detail requested by the Deputy. Accordingly, I have brought the Deputy's requirements to the attention of the chief executive officer of each health board and asked that he or she reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:189 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has carried out any evaluation of the orthodontic services; if so, the result, if any, of such examination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10152/00]
The Moran report, on the future development of orthodontic services, was made to the chief executive officers of the health boards. There have been discussions between my Department and representatives of the chief executive officers on the report and its implications. Some interested parties have also commented on the report.
Many of the proposals in the report are being implemented as part of the dental health action plan while the implications of others are still being teased out with the health boards and other interests.