Seán Ryan
Ceist:141 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting orthodontic treatment in catchment area number eight of the Eastern Health Board area; and if he will 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 catchment area number eight there are at present 710 children on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment. This position is expected to improve.