Seán Ryan
Ceist:139 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the number of children awaiting orthodontic treatment in the Swords area of County Dublin; and if he will further outline his proposals to reduce this waiting list.
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment.
A special allocation for orthodontic treatments was made available to the Eastern Health Board in 1990. In the current year a further additional special allocation was made available to allow the board to continue with orthodontic treatments commenced in 1990 and to provide for new starts in 1991.
A new consultant orthodontist has recently taken up duty with the board and the board have recently made arrangements for the provision of additional orthodontic sessions.
I understand from the Eastern Health Board that in the Swords area there are at present 176 children on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment. This position is expected to improve.