Vol. 523 No. 5
223 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Health and Children the current status of the initiative to improve orthodontic services and reduce waiting lists in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area; and the specific proposed staff appointments under the initiative (details supplied). [21756/00]
The provision of orthodontic services in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area is the statutory responsibility of that authority in the first instance. I have had inquiries made of the regional chief executive of the authority who advises me of the following developments in relation to the authority's initiative to improve the orthodontic services: the locum consultant orthodontist has taken up duty; two permanent consultant posts are due to be filled through the local appointments commission – these interviews are imminent and it is anticipated that the persons appointed will commence duty as quickly as possible. With regard to the six community orthodontist posts, one orthodontist has taken up duty and positions have been offered to two others. It is anticipated that further interviews will take place in the near future; the procedures to recruit a senior manager to manage the service in each of the area health boards has commenced; and the recruitment of ancillary staff to assist any orthodontists that may be appointed is currently being processed.
