Vol. 510 No. 5
166 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the degree to which the orthodontic needs of children in north Kildare are being met; the waiting list and the duration of this list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23101/99]
The current waiting list for orthodontic assessment in the Eastern Health Board area consists of 83 patients on the category 1 waiting list and 7,767 patients on the category 2 waiting list. The current average waiting time for category 1 patients is approximately three months while the waiting time for category 2 patients is three years and ten months. The waiting list for County Kildare consists of two patients in category 1 and 910 patients in category 2.
There have been significant reductions in waiting lists and waiting times for orthodontic assessment since the introduction of a consultant-led service in September 1996. The Eastern Health Board is continuing its efforts to effect further improvements in the service and in this regard a second regional orthodontic unit will be developed in Dublin South East. I have approved a capital grant of £1.065 million for this purpose.
I am also considering proposals from the board for the development of a further regional orthodontic unit to be sited on the campus of Beaumont Hospital.
