Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:85 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children where it is expected a comprehensive orthodontic treatment system will be available in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14485/00]
Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.
Orthodontic services are being developed in accordance with the dental health action plan. This plan provides for the development by each health board of a comprehensive orthodontic service under the overall direction and supervision of a consultant orthodontist. This year I am making an additional £1.45 million available to the health boards on an ongoing basis for the further development of their orthodontic services.
The orthodontic services were the subject of a comprehensive review by a group representative of health board management and the consultant orthodontists. This group furnished its report, The Moran Report, to the chief executive officers of the health boards. There have been discussions between my Department and representatives of the chief executive officers on the report and its implications. Some interested parties have also commented on the report.
Many of the proposals in the report are being implemented as part of the dental health action plan while the implications of others are still being teased out with the health boards and other interests. My Department will give a full response to the chief executive officers on all aspects of the report in the near future.