Billy Timmins
Question:115 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for children for orthodontic treatment in the Eastern Health Board area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9876/00]
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.
The provision of orthodontic treatment and the maintenance of waiting lists in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area are the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority.
I have had inquiries made of that health authority. There are currently 291 category one patients and 8,925 category two patients in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area awaiting assessment to determine their eligibility for orthodontic treatment. The average waiting time for category one patients is approximately nine months and the average waiting time for category two patients is four years. If a patient is assessed as requiring treatment, treatment is provided as soon as possible after assessment.