Vol. 521 No. 4
140 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received an action plan from the Eastern Regional Health Authority with regard to orthodontic service; if his attention has been drawn to the huge waiting lists for children to obtain orthodontic treatment; the funds he will make available to ensure that this action plan is put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17077/00]
The provision of orthodontic treatment in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area is the statutory responsibility of that health authority. I am aware of the large numbers on the waiting lists and the waiting times for orthodontic assessment and treatment.
The health authority has informed me that the area health boards are currently implementing an action plan to improve matters. The main details of this action plan are as follows: the appointment of two additional consultant orthodontists – these posts have recently been advertised by the Local Appointments Commission; the appointment of additional clinicians with specialist qualifications in orthodontics; and the opening of two regional orthodontic units at St Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, before end 2000 and at Beaumont Hospital before end 2001.
