Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 5 Jul 2001

Vol. 540 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Richard Bruton

Question:

140 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received legal advice on the necessity for new laws or for regulations to be laid before the Oireachtas before the proposed subsidy scheme for orthodontic work is put in place; if this advice has confirmed that where the law confirms a right to free treatment, a health board cannot by administrative act replace this legal entitlement by a 50% subsidy scheme for orthodontic work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20529/01]

Legal opinion has been received by my Department in respect of the proposal by the Eastern Regional Health Authority under the orthodontic initiative to implement a pilot grant in aid scheme in the Northern Area Health Board. The legal advice to my Department is that under Section 67 of the Health Act, 1970, a health board cannot levy a charge for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible patients. The proposed scheme was intended as an optional means by which patients on the waiting list could receive a service at an earlier date through a private orthodontist. Patients who wished to avail of free treatment in the public service could of course do so. My Department and the health board are examining all options to tackle the unacceptable waiting lists in orthodontics.

Top
Share