Vol. 507 No. 2
161 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to difficulties for young people admitted for orthodontic treatment who also need surgical procedures as in the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and the proposals, if any, he has to deal with this problem. [16680/99]
As the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in Dublin 5 is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Health Board I have asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply to the Deputy directly as a matter of urgency.
In 1998 my Department provided an additional £250,000 to the Eastern Health Board for the development of its services in oral surgery and restorative dentistry. Planning by the board for the construction of a head and neck day care centre for the eastern region is at an early stage of development. In 1999 my Department provided an additional £120,000 to the Dublin Dental hospital to assist in the expansion of oral surgery services at the new hospital.
I also understand that arrangements have been made for the secondment of a consultant oral surgeon from the Dublin Dental hospital to the Eastern Health Board to assist the board in the provision of oral surgery services.
