Vol. 534 No. 1
175 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a total lack of confidence by parents in the orthodontic service; his views on whether the service is now almost non-existent, and that despite repeated promises there appears to be no possibility of any meaningful improvement in the foreseeable future; his further views on the need for dramatic action in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10243/01]
I am aware of the difficulties being experienced in the provision of orthodontic services. These difficulties are being addressed and progress is being made on a number of fronts.
Following recommendations in the Moran report, Review of Orthodontic Services, structural changes are being introduced in the orthodontic services. One of the review group's recommendations was that appropriately trained, qualified and registered specialist orthodontists be employed in regional orthodontic units, to ensure the continuation of a high quality service. In line with this, my Department is working to progress, with the relevant authorities, the establishment of training programmes for dentists to allow them to reach the level of specialist. An accord has been reached between the Dental Council the two dental schools and hospitals in Dublin and Cork and the Irish committee for specialist training in dentistry, to establish specialist dental training in this country on a sound footing. The Dental Council has set up a specialist register which will recognise a dental speciality in orthodontics and the issue of a specialist grade in orthodontics within the health board service is currently being negotiated under the auspices of the Health Service Employers Agency.
I am confident that the setting up of a specialist register in orthodontics and creation of the grade of specialist orthodontist in the health service, should mean a substantial improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of the orthodontic service. I have also approached the Dental Council concerning the creation of a scheme for the recognition of auxiliary dental workers in orthodontics. This grade would act as a support to the consultant orthodontist, specialists and other dentists working in the orthodontic unit, thus enabling greater caseloads to be achieved. However, it will be some time before these structural changes impact significantly on service levels.
176 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Health and Children when he expects that persons (details supplied) in County Kildare will receive orthodontic treatment, with particular reference to his replies to previous inquiries in this regard and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10244/01]
As the provision of orthodontic services to eligible persons in County Kildare is the statutory responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, I have asked the Chief Executive Officer of that authority to investigate the position in relation to these cases and to reply directly to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
