Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 Nov 2001

Vol. 543 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

119 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 has waited seven and a half years for orthodontic treatment; if he will ensure that this person is treated without further delay; the number of persons in the Dublin area waiting for orthodontic treatment; the number who have been waiting for each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27118/01]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

The provision of orthodontic treatment to patients in county Dublin is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority in the first instance. I am informed by the chief executive officer of the ERHA that the person referred to by the Deputy will commence treatment in the regional orthodontic unit at St. James's Hospital before the end of the December 2001 quarter.

The breakdown of orthodontic waiting lists by county is not routinely collected by my Department. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer of the ERHA to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.