Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 14 Oct 1999

Vol. 509 No. 3

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

130 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the lengthening waiting lists for orthodontic services within the Eastern Health Board area; the consideration, if any, given to the submission from the board on a proposal to develop a second orthodontic unit to be located in Beaumont Hospital; and if funding will be made available for this service in 2000. [20211/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

I understand that with regard to the Eastern Health Board the number of children awaiting orthodontic assessment is 83 and the number of children awaiting orthodontic treatment is 7,736. The board's proposal to develop a second orthodontic unit to be located in Beaumont Hospital is currently being considered by my Department in the context of the capital funds available under the National Development Plan.