Vol. 512 No. 7
63 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the crisis in orthodontic treatment in the Southern Health Board region where there is a three year waiting period and more than 8,000 patients on the waiting list; the action, if any, he will take to improve the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27085/99]
The provision of orthodontic services and the maintenance of waiting lists for treatment are the statutory responsibility of the health boards. The orthodontic services continue to be developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. The action plan provides for the development by each health board of a consultant-led orthodontic service which ensures a service of high quality and high service levels. My Department has made additional resources available to the health boards to assist the boards with the development of their orthodontic services in accordance with the dental health action plan.
I understand that the board considers that the present treatment waiting list may not be an accurate record of those currently in need of treatment. The board is considering proposals to have this waiting list validated.
In addition to developing its own orthodontic service, the Southern Health Board has been attempting to develop links with Cork University Dental School and Hospital with regard to both the training of health board orthodontic staff and the treatment of patients. Full co-operation between the health board through its consultant orthodontist and the hospital is required to achieve the maximum use of available resources.
I have approved an additional allocation of £250,000 for the Southern Health Board in 2000 for the further development of the board's orthodontic services.
