Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 19 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 4

Written Answers. - Orthodontic Service.

Noel Ahern

Ceist:

114 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if, in view of the continued inability of the Eastern Regional Health Authority to provide an orthodontic service for teenagers, he will introduce a financial grant support scheme on a means related basis to allow parents to take their children to private orthodontists while allowing the existing system of claims at standard rate on MED 1 form basis to continue; and if he will outline an approximate annual cost for an additional grant scheme as outlined (details supplied). [22775/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I have recently approved a comprehensive package of proposals from the Eastern Regional Health Authority which are designed to significantly reduce waiting times for orthodontic treatment in the region.

Parents who make private arrangements for orthodontic treatment are liable for the costs of such treatment and I have no proposals at this time to introduce a financial support scheme in such circumstances.

Approximately 10,000 children require orthodontic treatment annually. All medical card children, approximately 3,000, would qualify for full grant of £3,000 at a total cost of £9 million per annum. It is estimated that a further 3,000 children, at least, would qualify for a level of grant of £1,000 at a total cost of £3 million. This would bring the annual cost of the grant support scheme to £12 million. These are approximate figures.

Issues such as quality assurance and the detrimental effect of such arrangements on the health board orthodontic service would also arise.