The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons is the statutory responsibility of the relevant health board. I have asked the chief executive officer of the Midland Health Board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply to the Deputy directly as a matter of urgency.
The provision of orthodontic services and the maintenance of waiting lists in the South-Eastern Health Board area are the statutory responsibility of the South-Eastern Health Board. I have had inquiries made of the South-Eastern Health Board. I understand that there are currently 607 children on the waiting list and the waiting time is two years.
Orthodontic services are being developed by the South-Eastern Health Board in accordance with the dental health action plan. The board's orthodontic unit, based at the Regional Hospital, Waterford, currently has the services of six full-time dental surgeons and one consultant orthodontist.
I have allocated additional funding of £0.100 million to the South-Eastern Health Board this year on an ongoing basis to provide for the further development of orthodontic services.
