Vol. 528 No. 3
139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in negotiations with private orthodontists to treat patients on the waiting list in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30283/00]
The provision of orthodontic services in County Kildare is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority. I understand from the authority that a meeting was held earlier this year between the authority and the Orthodontic Society of Ireland, OSI, with regard to the proposal for the authority to use private orthodontists to treat patients in the eastern region including Kildare. The OSI is currently considering the proposal and a response is awaited by the authority.
