Vol. 525 No. 2
526 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will intervene on behalf of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo and have him immediately called for his dental treatment; if he will make a favourable decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24390/00]
As the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Sligo is the statutory responsibility of the North Western Health Board I have asked the chief executive officer of that board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency. It would be inappropriate for me to intervene on behalf of an individual awaiting orthodontic treatment.
527 Mr. Noonan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the waiting list for dental surgery at Limerick Regional Hospital is increasing rather than decreasing; if his attention has further been drawn to the trauma or emergency cases that are taking up the full working week of the dental surgical team; if he will appoint a second consultant to this specialist area so that a second dental surgery list may be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24392/00]
The provision of oral surgery services at Limerick Regional Hospital is the statutory responsibility of the Mid-Western Health Board.
This year I have made an additional £0.150 million available to the Mid-Western Health Board specifically for the development of its oral surgery services. I understand that the board is pursuing the creation of a consultant post in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the hospital in addition to the existing consultant post in the area.
It is expected that Comhairle na nOspidéal will consider the board's proposals at an early date.
