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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 29 Jun 1994

Vol. 444 No. 6

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Treatment.

Jimmy Deenihan

Ceist:

179 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the waiting period for orthodontic treatment for patients needing fixed appliances in the Southern Health Board area; the measures, if any, he intends to take to resolve the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The provision of orthodontic treatment in the Southern Health Board area is the responsibility of the Southern Health Board in the first instance.

As I recently announced in the national health strategy the deficiencies in the public dental service, including orthodontic services, will be tackled over the next four years in the context of an integrated dental development plan based on the principles of equity, quality of service and accountability.

At present my Department is addressing the detailed resource requirements for the phased implementation of the dental plan in conjunction with the health boards. My Department is in consultation with the Southern Health Board regarding their requirements with a view to commencing the development plan for their area this year and over the period of the Programme for a Partnership Government as resources allow.

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