Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 13 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Deirdre Clune

Question:

177 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will alter the guidelines relating to the provision of orthodontic treatment for children; if any changes will increase the eligibility for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3889/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of orthodontic treatment services is the statutory responsibility of the health boards. In 1985, my Department issued guidelines to health boards on the criteria applicable in assessing priority of need for specialist orthodontic treatment; the guidelines are based on the degree of handicap.

The report of the review group on orthodontic services – the Moran Report – recommended that all health boards use the same severity index to determine need and that provision of orthodontic treatment should continue on the basis of priority need. There have been discussions between my Department and representatives of the health board chief executive officers on the report and its implications.

Proposals in the report are being progressively implemented. Amendments to the 1985 guidelines are being finalised with the health board chief executive officers and the review group on orthodontic services.