Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 3 Apr 2001

Vol. 533 No. 6

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Derek McDowell

Question:

255 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children the waiting time for orthodontic treatment in St. James's Hospital and St. Stephen's Hospital, Dublin 8; the average age of people on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9674/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of orthodontic services in the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA, is the statutory responsibility of that authority in the first instance.

The chief executive officer of ERHA has advised me that some patients in category I have been waiting up to two years for assessment-treatment, and this will be reduced to zero over the coming weeks, and some patients in category II have been waiting six years. I am also informed by the ERHA that information in relation to the average age of patients on the waiting list is not available at this time.

Derek McDowell

Question:

256 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate the reason persons (details supplied) have been waiting for between three and four years for orthodontic treatment in St. Stephen's Hospital and St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9675/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

As the provision of orthodontic services to eligible persons in Dublin 5 and Dublin 9, is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, I have asked the chief executive officer to investigate the position in relation to these cases and to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.