asked the Minister for Health when an orthodontist will be appointed to the Western Health Board; and if he will outline the reasons for the long delay in this appointment.

5.

asked the Minister for Health when funding for the post of orthodontist will be provided for the Western Health Board.

I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.

The post of orthodontist with the Western Health Board was recently advertised by the Local Appointments Commissioners. Interviews will be held soon and it is hoped the commissioners will be able to recommend a person for appointment.

Interviews for the post were previously held by the commission in January 1984 and a person recommended for appointment in April 1984. Subsequently, this person declined the offer of appointment. The cost of this post must be met by the Western Health Board from within their existing approved allocation.

In view of the fact that the post is not filled in spite of previous advertising will the Minister recommend to the health board that, while waiting for the post to be filled, emergency cases be farmed out to orthodontists in private practice with the burden of cost being carried by the Western Health Board?

No. The best thing to do is to have the post filled as soon as possible. It was advertised on 24 January and I am very anxious that it be filled. I regret that last year the successful candidate did not accept the post when it was offered to him. However, to make interim arrangements at this stage would leave us with the problem of dismantling them subsequently.

Until the post is filled, will the Minister recommend to the health board that emergency cases be farmed out to private practice?

I would have to have a look at that. I find it difficult to believe that we will not be successful in getting an orthodontist to take up the appointment.

The Minister must be aware of the difficulty of getting orthodontists and other qualified personnel to go to the west and north-west. Does he agree that increased incentives must be provided to encourage people to go to these areas?

That is more relevant to the next question.

Does the Minister agree that incentives will be necessary?

It is a Local Appointments Commission appointment and the salary scales and other associated incentives are known. I see no good reason why somebody should not find it an attractive position.

The Minister has been trying to fill it for two years. What are people supposed to do? Deputy Coogan made a reasonable request which should be acceded to.

6.