Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 1

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

620 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will introduce a scheme whereby grant aid is available to the parents of children where orthodontic treatment is required for these children but is not readily available under the present scheme; the number of such children who are awaiting orthodontic treatment or assessment; and his proposals in this regard. [20326/00]

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 for the quarter ended 30 June 2000 and is as follows:

Health Board	Assessment Waiting List	Treatment Waiting List
Eastern Regional Health Authority	10,202	987
Midland Health Board	20	247
Mid-Western Health Board	2,671	1,608
North Eastern Health Board	n/a	836
North Western Health Board	380	2,167
South Eastern Health Board	314	560
Southern Health Board	5,000 (app)	4,528
Western Health Board	769	2,233

I have no plans at present to introduce a grant aid scheme to parents whose children are awaiting orthodontic treatment. Health board orthodontic services continue to be developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. This year I have provided an additional £1.45 million to health boards on an ongoing basis to further the development of their orthodontic services.

At my request, the health boards have submitted proposals to me on how waiting lists and times for orthodontic treatment could be reduced in their areas. In response I have recently approved a number of measures for the Eastern Regional Health Authority to improve their service and I hope to clarify the matter with the remaining health boards in the near future.

Question No. 621 with Question No. 505.

Question No. 622 with Question No. 568.