Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 8 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 1

Written Answers. - Dental Treatment for School Children.

Louis J. Belton

Ceist:

71 Mr. Belton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that in the Midland Health Board area, and especially in the Longford region, many young schoolgoing children have been waiting for a year or more for orthodontic treatment and that the board are unable to indicate at the present time when such treatment will be given; and if, in view of the seriousness of the situation and the implications for these young children, he will outline his plans to alleviate the present serious situation in the Longford area.

Charles Flanagan

Ceist:

135 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the current number of patients in Counties Laois and Offaly awaiting treatment under the Midland Health Board adult dental scheme, is now 455; the steps he proposes to take to have treatment made available at the earliest opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 135 together.

The Deputy will be aware that the Government made a special allocation of £3 million available in 1990 to bring about improvements in adult dental and in orthodontic services and a further special allocation of £3 million for the same purpose in the present year. These allocations have brought about a significant improvement in services. At present, 176 children are undergoing orthodontic treatment in the Midland Health Board and arrangements are being made by the Midland Health Board to commence further cases in the near future.

I understand from the Midland Health Board that there are 455 children from Longford/Westmeath and 405 children from Laois/Offaly on the Midland Health Board's waiting list for fixed appliance orthodontic therapy.