206 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Health and Children the number on the waiting list in Dublin for orthodontic treatment for each of the past five years; his plans to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6321/02]

The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons is the statutory responsibility of the health boards in the first instance.

The chief executive officer of the Eastern Regional Health Authority has informed me of the following information in relation to the number of patients awaiting orthodontic treatment:

Number awaiting treatment