Gay Mitchell
Ceist:225 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement regarding delays in the placement of an orthodontist at St. James's Hospital, Dublin. [5526/01]
Written Answers. - Hospital Appointments.
The recruitment of orthodontists is a matter in the first instance for the Eastern Regional Health Authority. The authority has advised me that the recruitment of orthodontists to fill vacancies is difficult because of the shortage of qualified orthodontists internationally. The authority has successfully recruited some orthodontists and efforts are continuing to recruit additional qualified staff. My Department has approved a total of three additional consultant orthodontist posts for the ERHA. The appointments to two of these posts are in train. The recruitment process for the third post is under way.