Ceist:
182 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in Dublin 12 will receive speech therapy; when this will be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2838/00]
Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
The provision of speech and language therapy services in any individual case is a matter for the relevant health board. Accordingly, the Deputy's question has been referred to the chief executive officer, Eastern Health Board with a request that he examine the query and reply directly to the Deputy, as a matter of urgency.
David Stanton
Ceist:183 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of persons waiting for assessment and treatment in the Southern Health Board region serviced by the orthodontic clinic in St. Finbarr's Hospital and its attached out-centre clinics; the plans, if any, he has to improve services in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2872/00]
The provision of orthodontic treatment is the statutory responsibility of the health boards. I understand from the Southern Health Board that there are approximately 5,000 patients awaiting orthodontic assessment and just over 8,000 patients awaiting orthodontic treatment in their board's area. The board is at present considering whether these waiting lists should be validated so that they accurately reflect actual treatment need.
The sum of £250,000 has been made available by my Department in the year 2000 to expand the orthodontic service in the Southern Health Board with the addition of up to four new orthodontic chairs in the regional orthodontic unit. An additional £25,000 has been allocated by the board for the upgrading of existing computer facilities which will also help to improve the service.
I am very concerned by the high number and the matter is currently under review within my Department.