Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 10 May 2000

Vol. 518 No. 6

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Dan Neville

Ceist:

314 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children whether, further to Parliamentary Question No. 346 of 21 March 2000, in relation to the cancellation of routine orthodontic treatment in the Eastern Health Board area due to the absence of consultant cover in the latter part of 1999 and early 2000, children have been damaged irreparably through anchorage loss and decalcification; whether it will be possible to re- establish anchorage and if de-calcification can be remedied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12582/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The provision of orthodontic treatment for eligible persons in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area – previously the Eastern Health Board area – is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority.

I have had inquiries made of that health authority. I understand that there is no definitive evidence that children have been irreparably damaged through anchorage loss and decalcification. However, the consultant orthodontist involved is currently reviewing patients whose treatment has been disrupted and is closely monitoring this situation.