asked the Minister for Health the reason a third level student (details supplied) has been informed by the dental services section of the Eastern Health Board that it could take upwards of five years before she will receive dental treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The person in question applied to the Eastern Health Board for dental treatment in December 1983 and her name was placed on the board's waiting list. Due to the limited resources at their disposal the health board give priority to certain eligible persons over others. The priority groups include pre-school and national school children, expectant and nursing mothers, the aged and the handicapped. In consequence eligible persons outside the priority groups have to wait some time for treatment. The health board are unable to say when treatment can be provided for the person in question but deny that a waiting time of up to five years was quoted by them. It is the policy of the health board not to give any firm undertakings as to when treatment will be provided in view of the many unpredictable factors which could influence the issue.

Whilst I accept that there are categories of priority, what is the average waiting period for persons in this category? Are there third level applicants who are not able to avail of the public dental health scheme because of limited or inadequate resources?

It depends on the area in question. I have not the precise average waiting period.

It seems to be a separate question.

The health board are quite adamant that no mention was made of a five-year waiting period.

I am not attempting to indict any member of the staff but I can confirm that the verbal statement was made and it aroused concern. Will this person have to wait a year, two years or three years to avail of the service? Why do categories into which this person might fit have to wait for long periods?

One is talking about the terms of priority in respect of a third level student. Young children under school age and national school children are given equal priority. Expectant and nursing mothers have a priority, as have the aged and the handicapped. The waiting list is constructed on that basis. I am certain that the waiting list in that area is quite low.

Would the Minister accept that the health boards have a statutory obligation to provide a dental service for certain categories and that the health boards are not providing this service mainly because of lack of finance but also due to the inadequate numbers of dentists? Will the Minister say what plans he has to ensure that the health boards will provide the dental service which they are statutorily obliged to provide?

I would point out that in the Eastern Health Board area there are 85 dentists working and in my reply to the next question I will give further information. A very large number of people are employed.

Could I ask——

We will move on. This question is about a specific case and does not form the basis for a general discussion on the health services.

Can the Minister give any assurance that within a reasonable time this person will be able to avail of the service?

I will write direct to the Deputy about this person and what exactly transpired. I cannot deal in generalities. It is a specific complaint.

It is part of a general area.

The question is not about a general area. It is about a patient.

I will write to the Deputy and do my utmost to ensure that the information is accurate.

A final supplementary from Deputy Flaherty.

Can I clarify that this case refers to dental treatment rather than orthodontic treatment?

On the basis of the Parliamentary Question put down, this is a case of routine dental treatment.

11.