Vol. 526 No. 3
255 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the length of time a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow has been on the Eastern Health Board waiting list for orthodontic treatment; when he will receive this treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26380/00]
As the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Wicklow is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority I have asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
256 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children with regard to the facilities in a hospital (details supplied) in County Dublin for orthodontic treatment for children from County Wicklow, the number of orthodontists that are employed to see these children; the number that have been employed in the past few months; if there are plans to employ extra orthodontists; and, if so, when; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26396/00]
The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Wicklow and the recruitment of orthodontists in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area is the statutory responsibility of that authority. I have asked the regional chief executive of the authority to investigate the position in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy and to reply directly to him as a matter of urgency.
257 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children from County Wicklow who are on the orthodontic waiting list in view of the fact that the lists in County Wicklow at the present time are unacceptable and additional steps will have to be taken if these children are to be seen in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26397/00]
The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons and the maintenance of waiting lists in County Wicklow is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority.
The following information which was made available to me by the authority on 10 November 2000 shows the position in relation to waiting lists for assessment for orthodontic treatment in the Wicklow dental area: category 1, 31 and category 2, 1,351.
In addition, there are approximately 800 category 2 patients who have already been assessed and are awaiting treatment throughout the entire Eastern Regional Health Authority area.
A new regional orthodontic unit is being established at Loughlinstown. This unit is expected to be operational early in January next and will substantially enhance orthodontic services in the region.
