asked the Minister for Health further to his reply to Parliamentary Question No. 29 of 28 October, 1987 regarding orthodontic treatment within the North-Eastern Health Board for children attending Cavan county clinic County Cavan if his attention has been drawn to the serious situation that still prevails in this clinic having regard to the fact that it was understood from his reply that he would seek the help of private practitioners to help alleviate this problem; in the light of his not taking any measures to help this situation, if he will consider giving permission to parents to take their children to private practitioners to have their children treated, as the advice by the North-Eastern Health Board to parents to take their children to practitioners in Northern Ireland is not a step in the right direction; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment.
I am aware that there are difficulties with regard to the provision of orthodontic treatment in the Cavan community care area. My chief dental officer recently visited the area and discussed the provision of orthodontic services with health board personnel. The North-Eastern Health Board already engage the services of a specialist orthodontist to treat children. However, this is not sufficient to enable treatment to be provided for the large number of children on the waiting list. The health board's dental staff intend to reassess all children on the waiting list in accordance with the guidelines drawn up by my Department in order to determine the gravity of the orthodontic condition present. Treatment will only be provided for children whose condition conforms with the guidelines and priority in the provision of treatment will be granted to those children with the most serious problems.
I have directed the Minister of State at my Department to review the dental services generally and to report to me by the end of April next on the matter.