Vol. 496 No. 7
182 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children identified as being in need of orthodontic treatment; if the regulations pertaining to qualification for this treatment have been changed in recent times; if so, the extent to which these regulations have changed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24193/98]
184 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children whose orthodontic treatment started in 1998; when these treatments will be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24195/98]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 and 184 together.
The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons and the maintenance of waiting lists are the statutory responsibility of the eight health boards. As my Department does not maintain information regarding numbers undergoing or awaiting treatment in the detail required by the Deputy, I have asked the chief executive officer of each health board to provide the information to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
There have been no changes in recent times in the statutory provisions relating to orthodontic treatment. Entitlement to the provision of orthodontic treatment is established under the provisions of section 66 and section 67 of the Health Act, 1970. Because of the high cost of fixed appliance orthodontic therapy, health boards can only provide this treatment where a child has a handicapping orthodontic condition. Children are assessed, therefore, in accordance with guidelines drawn up by my Department, to ensure that resources are used to best advantage and for those most affected or handicapped.
At the suggestion of my Department, an orthodontic review group has been set up by the health boards to examine a range of issues in relation to the orthodontic services including the guidelines. This group, which includes health board consultant orthodontists, is due to report to the chief executive officers of the health boards in the near future.
