Vol. 453 No. 6
50 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has to improve the orthodontic treatment service in the Eastern Health Board area; the effects these improvements will have for children and young people on the waiting lists, especially those classified as high category. [9832/95]
Limerick East): I am aware that, despite an increase in service provision, the numbers on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment in the Eastern Health Board are considerable with consequent long waiting periods for most persons on the waiting lists.
The board is addressing this issue and is developing the service with funding provided by my Department under the dental health action plan. Unfortunately, the health board has experienced considerable difficulty in retaining the services of orthodontists at consultant level. The board is at present sharing a consultant orthodontist with the Dublin Dental Hospital and my Department recently approved the creation of an additional two consultant posts for the board.
My Department has had discussions with the board with a view to agreeing a framework for the development of a consultant-led orthodontic service in accordance with the strategy outlined in the dental health action plan. The objective is to develop orthodontic services in the Eastern Health Board area to a level consistent with treatment needs. On completion of the present discussions I will make additional funds available to the Eastern Health Board to further develop its orthodontic services.
