Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 Apr 2000

Vol. 517 No. 4

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

David Stanton

Question:

98 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons awaiting assessment and treatment at the orthodontic clinic of St. Finbarr's Hospital and other out-patient clinics respectively; the plans, if any, he has to address the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9874/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of orthodontic services in Counties Cork and Kerry is the statutory responsibility of the Southern Health Board, in the first instance. I have had inquiries made of the Southern Health Board and it informs me that as at 31 March 2000 the numbers awaiting assessment are as follows: Orthodontic Unit, St Finbarr's Hospital, Cork – approx. 5,000; Dental Clinic, O'Brien St, Mallow, County Cork – approx. 100, and Dental Clinic, Moyderwell, Tralee, County Kerry – 546. The number of persons awaiting treatment as at 31 March 2000 is approximately 5,000.

Orthodontic services continue to be developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. The action plan provides for the development by each health board of a consultant-led orthodontic service. My Department is making an additional £0.250 million on an ongoing basis available to the Southern Health Board in year 2000 for the further development of its orthodontic services.