Vol. 543 No. 5
299 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in introducing the proposed orthodontic scheme drawn up by the Eastern Regional Health Authority; and the steps he will take to address this issue. [27501/01]
The grant-in-aid scheme for orthodontic treatment referred to by the Deputy had been proposed by the Northern Area Health Board – NAHB – of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. However, the board have received legal advice to the effect that such a grant-in-aid scheme would conflict with the statutory provisions of the Health Act, 1970.
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 NAHB.
