Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 4 Jul 1990

Vol. 401 No. 1

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment Lists.

Edward Nealon

Ceist:

109 Mr. Nealon asked the Minister for Health if he will outline (a) the number of people on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment in the North-Western Health Board area (b) the average waiting time for treatment and (c) if he will provide extra funds to help deal with the problem.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

At present there are 121 on the waiting list for orthodontic services in the North-Western Health Board. In Sligo-Leitrim the waiting time is about nine to 12 months. In Donegal the waiting time is longer due to difficulty in recruiting suitably qualified personnel.

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

The Department are closely monitoring progress being made in the current year to reduce the orthodontic waiting lists and will take further action if necessary. The vacant posts of consultant orthodontic in the health board dental service, including a post in the North-Western Health Board, will be readvertised shortly with more attractive conditions of service.