Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 21 Jun 1990

Vol. 400 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment Services.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

120 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will outline (a) the number of people on the waiting lists for orthodontic treatment in the Southern Health Board region, (b) the average waiting time for treatment of a person who is successful in joining this list and (c) if he will provide extra funds to deal with this problem.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

Since November 1989, the Government has made special allocations of £1 million to the health boards to provide additional orthodontic treatment for top priority cases. This amount supplements the monies already allocated by the health boards for orthodontic services.

The Department is closely monitoring progress being made in the current year to reduce the orthodontic waiting lists and will take further action if necessary. The five vacant posts of consultant orthodontist in the health board dental service, including a post in the Southern Health Board, will be advertised shortly with more attractive conditions of service. In addition arrangements are being put in place to train a number of health board dental surgeons from the Southern Health Board in advanced orthodontic techniques.

At present there are 1,133 on the waiting list for orthodontic services in the Southern Health Board.