Vol. 543 No. 3
136 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the legislative changes he plans to provide a legal basis for the 50% grant for orthodontic work which has been promised as a pilot scheme on Dublin's northside. [27238/01]
The Northern Area Health Board have received legal advice to the effect that the grant in-aid scheme proposed by the board conflicts with the statutory provisions of the Health Act, 1970. An amendment to these provisions is not presently envisaged in the context of my Department's current legislative programme.
However, under the orthodontic initiative, my Department recently approved a proposed scheme from the Mid-Western Health Board to engage the services of private specialist orthodontic practitioners to treat patients. This scheme will facilitate similar arrangements in the Northern Area Health Board.
Question No. 137 answered with Question No. 114.
