Nora Owen
Question:408 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide a reply to correspondence of 12 November 2001 concerning a submission from a person (details supplied). [12013/02]
Vol. 552 No. 1
408 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide a reply to correspondence of 12 November 2001 concerning a submission from a person (details supplied). [12013/02]
The substance of the letter referred to has been discussed with consultant orthodontists and the question at issue was also discussed as part of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children's examination of the orthodontic service. Its report is a very comprehensive document and contains 32 wide ranging recommendations that are being considered as a matter of priority by my Department and the health boards.
My Department, in its submission to the joint committee, acknowledged that the extent of the waiting list and waiting time for orthodontic assessment and treatment is unacceptable and is a matter of serious concern. The prevailing situation is compounded by the fact that orthodontic services are restricted due to the limited availability of trained specialist clinical staff to assess and treat patients. This shortage has resulted from, amongst other things, divisions within the orthodontic community that have triggered difficulties and resistance in agreeing arrangements for training programmes. I note that the joint committee has recognised the divisions within the profession and their impact on the extent of the waiting list and time for orthodontic assessment and treatment. In addition, the committee identified enhanced training opportunities as an important element in improved delivery of orthodontic services.