Michael Ring
Question:626 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will be called for orthodontic treatment. [1546/01]
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.
As the provision of orthodontic services to eligible persons in County Mayo is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board, I have asked the chief executive officer of that board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
Deirdre Clune
Question:627 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals he has in respect of the provision of orthodontic services for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1547/01]
I have long recognised that the waiting times for orthodontic treatment are unacceptably long. Following recommendations in the Moran Report – review of Orthodontic Services – structural changes are being introduced in the orthodontic services to allow the targets set out in the Dental Health Action Plan to be achieved. However, it will be some time before these structural changes impact significantly on service levels. Consequently, I asked health boards to develop proposals to make an immediate significant impact on their waiting lists.
An additional investment of £5.3 million has been approved for orthodontic services this year of which £3.7 million is to fund an initiative on orthodontic waiting lists. This initiative will enable health boards to recruit additional staff to provide orthodontic treatment; provide additional sessions for existing staff; and make additional arrangements for the provision of treatment by private orthodontists at approved rates.
Health boards will also validate existing waiting lists. As part of the Initiative, the Department approved a proposal from the Eastern Regional Health Authority for a grant in-aid scheme. Under the scheme, patients who meet the criteria laid down for non-urgent routine treatment will be given the option of availing of treatment from a private orthodontic practitioner. A grant of 50% of the board's overall estimated cost of treatment would be paid. Parents could also avail of tax credits on the balance where appropriate. A grant of 100% of the board's estimated cost of treatment would be paid in respect of medical card holders.
The scheme will operate on a pilot basis in the Northern Area Health Board for 12 months. A working group on the implementation of the scheme within the board is being established. The group has set a target date of 1 April this year for the implementation of the pilot scheme.