I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 167 together.
I am aware of the difficulties in the orthodontic services. There has been considerable investment over the past few years under the dental health action plan in the setting up by the health boards of orthodontic services. All boards, with the exception of the Midland Health Board, have a consultant-led service in place. The Midland Health Board provides orthodontic services by arrangements with private orthodontists. Nevertheless, despite these developments in the service, waiting times for treatment are in some instances unacceptably high.
I am continuing to develop the orthodontic services in accordance with the dental health action plan. 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 Moran report, made to the chief executive officers of the health boards on the future development of orthodontic services, has been under discussion between my Department and representatives of the chief executive officers. Some interested parties have also commented on the report. A number of recommendations in the report are being implemented as part of the dental health action plan. My Department has issued a comprehensive response to the various recommendations in the report.
The report, in conjunction with my Department's response, provides an agreed framework for progressing various issues in relation to the orthodontic services. In particular, there is agreement on the recommendation that specialist orthodontists appropriately trained, qualified and registered be employed in the orthodontic services. The Dental Council has agreed to set up a specialist register. This issue is now being advanced with the staff association at the Health Service Employers Agency. The creation of the grade of specialist orthodontist will considerably enhance the service provision and help to retain trained staff in the services by providing them with a suitable career structure.
My Department recently gave approval for two additional posts of consultant orthodontist in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area. The authority is in the process of filling these posts in conjunction with the Local Appointments Commission. The filling of these posts, combined with the setting up of two new regional orthodontic units at Loughlinstown and Beaumont hospitals, should help to significantly reduce the current waiting times for treatment in the area of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. I have indicated approval of additional funding of £100,000 per annum to Cork Dental School to support the appointment to the school of a professor in orthodontics so that priority can be given to the provision of specialist training programmes in orthodontics for health board dentists in the orthodontic units. In addition, I have invited the Southern Health Board to consider the appointment of an additional consultant orthodontist.
I have also recently asked health boards to submit proposals to me as to how waiting lists and waiting times for orthodontic treatment in their areas might be further reduced. Proposals from some boards are still awaited. I hope to respond to all boards on their proposals by end July.