Vol. 536 No. 5
243 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of orthodontic consultants available in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area; the extent to which there has been an increase or decrease in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15068/01]
The provision of orthodontic services is the responsibility of the health boards in the first instance. The chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority or ERHA has advised me that there are currently two permanent consultant orthodontists employed in the authority's orthodontic service. In addition, the authority employs a locum consultant orthodontist on a part time basis. This is an increase from one permanent consultant orthodontist employed by the authority 12 months ago.
244 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of orthodontic cases taken on by private orthodontists on behalf of the Eastern Regional Health Authority in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15069/01]
The provision of orthodontic services is the responsibility of the health boards in the first instance. I am informed by the chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority or ERHA that the total number of orthodontic cases referred to private orthodontists in the past 12 months on behalf of the three area health boards is 83.
