Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 4

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Richard Bruton

Question:

142 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children waiting for orthodontic treatment in category 1 or 2 in each health board; the waiting time from first referral to commencement of a course of treatment in each board. [18998/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons is the statutory responsibility of the health boards. Waiting lists for orthodontic treatment are maintained by the health boards. The most recent information made available to my Department is as follows:

Health Board	Waiting Time for Assessment	Waiting Time for Treatment	Assessment Waiting List	Treatment Waiting List	Date Information Received
Eastern Regional Health Authority	1-5 years	1 year	9,797	885	9 June 2000
Midland Health Board	3-4 months	1.5-2.5 years	79*	474	9 June 2000
Mid-Western Health Board	2-2.5 years	2-2.5 years	2,299	1,468	31 March 2000
North Eastern Health Board	n/a	6 weeks-2 years	n/a	853	9 June 2000
North Western Health Board	n/a	3.5-4 years	n/a	1,948	9 June 2000
South Eastern Health Board	3 months	20 months	314	560	9 June 2000
Southern Health Board	patients born in 1986 are currently being given appointments for assessment.	3 years	5,646	app 5,000	31st March, 2000*
Western Health Board		3-3.5 years	769	2,233	9 June 2000

*It has been confirmed with the Southern Health Board that there has been no substantial change in the waiting lists since March last.

Health board orthodontic services continue to be developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. This year I am providing an additional £1.45 million to health boards on an ongoing basis to further the development of their orthodontic services. I have also recently asked health boards to submit proposals to me as to how waiting lists and waiting times for orthodontic treatment in their areas might be further reduced.