Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Apr 2001

Vol. 534 No. 1

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

105 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress to date in negotiations between private orthodontists and the health boards in regard to the ongoing matter of waiting lists for orthodontic treatment; the number of cases treated by private orthodontists arising from these negotiations in recent times; the number of cases still to be treated; the extent to which he expects to be in a position to report substantial progress on the issue in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9971/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of orthodontic services is the responsibility of the health boards in the first instance.

The chief executive officers of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, the Midland Health Board, the Mid-Western Health Board, the South Eastern Health Board and the Western Health Board have provided me with the following information on the number of patients treated by private orthodontists:

Eastern Regional Health AuthorityPrivate orthodontists will be involved in the ERHA's proposed grant-in-aid scheme whereby patients who have been assessed as eligible for non urgent routine treatment through the Northern Area Health Board will receive a grant of 50% of the board's overall estimated cost of treatment if they choose to have this treatment done through a private orthodontist.

Midland Health BoardNumber of patients treated by private orthodontists

in 2000

New starts	247
Completed treatments	199
Number in active treatment	888

Mid-Western Health BoardThe board does not operate a fee per item system with private orthodontists.

South-Eastern Health BoardThe board has not been in negotiations with private orthodontists to clear orthodontic treatment waiting lists.

Western Health BoardA total of 35 patients have been referred to private orthodontists as at the end of February 2001.

It has not been possible to obtain the required information from the following health boards in the time available: the North Eastern Health Board, the North Western Health Board and the Southern Health Board.

I will write to the Deputy in this regard with the information from the boards.