Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Oct 2000

Vol. 523 No. 4

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Pádraic McCormack

Question:

117 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the four year waiting time for orthodontic treatment in the Western Health Board area; the steps he is taking to reduce the length of time young people have to wait for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21182/00]

I am aware of the difficulties in the orthodontic services. There has been considerable investment over the past few years under the dental health action plan in the setting up by the health boards of orthodontic services. I have approved an additional £0.150 million this year on an ongoing basis for the further development of the service in the Western Health Board area. Nevertheless, despite these developments in the service waiting times for treatment are in some instances unacceptably high.

At my invitation, the health boards have recently submitted proposals to me as to how waiting lists and waiting times for orthodontic treatment in their areas might be significantly reduced. I hope to respond to the boards, proposals in the near future.

Question No. 118 taken with Question No. 111.

Top
Share