Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
171 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 241 and 242 of 7 July 2004 and Nos. 887 and 889 of 29 September 2004, the efforts being made to recruit extra orthodontic consultants in the north west region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30968/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the provision of orthodontic services in the North Western Health Board, NWHB, area is a matter for the chief executive officer of the board in the first instance.
The acting chief executive officer of the NWHB has informed my Department that in order to address the current staffing issues it has advertised for both specialist orthodontists and consultant orthodontists. A specialist orthodontist was appointed recently and will be taking up post on 1 December in Letterkenny. An interview for a locum consultant orthodontist has been scheduled for this week.
In addition, the board has employed the services of recruitment companies, attempted to source staff from the UK and sent information to colleges in Ireland and the UK to attract staff.
The acting chief executive officer assures me that every effort has and is currently being made to recruit additional specialist staff and is hopeful that the situation will continue to improve.
