Difficulties were encountered in the latter part of 1999 and early 2000 in the regional orthodontic unit at St. James's Hospital which caused the cancellation of routine orthodontic appointments. These difficulties have been resolved and an action plan is being implemented to address the needs of all affected patients.
Developments currently under way in relation to the orthodontic services include: the recruitment of two additional consultant orthodontists; the development of a new regional orthodontic unit at St. Colmcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown and the development of a new regional orthodontic unit at Beaumont Hospital.
The Eastern Regional Health Authority also propose to recruit an additional number of dentists with orthodontic qualifications.
As the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in the Dublin 9 area is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, I have asked the regional chief executive of that health authority to investigate the position in relation to the individual mentioned in the Deputy's question and to reply to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
