254 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health and Children the number awaiting orthodontic treatment in south Tipperary; the average waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3014/00]

The provision of orthodontic treatment in the South Tipperary area is the statutory responsibility of the South Eastern Health Board.

I understand from the South Eastern Health Board that as at 31 December 1999 there were 90 children in the south Tipperary community care area awaiting orthodontic assessment and 245 children undergoing treatment. The orthodontic treatment waiting list for the South Eastern Health Board is centralised at Waterford Regional Hospital and there are currently 634 children on this list. The average waiting time for treatment in the South Eastern Health Board region is 23 months.