Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 160: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been deemed ineligible for orthodontic treatment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28499/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons in County Mayo rests with the Western Health Board. My Department has asked the chief executive officer to investigate the matter raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.

Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 161: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when a dental service (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will be reopened. [28501/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The provision of dental services is the statutory responsibility of the health boards-authority in the first instance. The Northern Area Health Board has advised my Department that as part of the overall refurbishment at Quarry Road health centre the number of dental suites was increased from one to three. This increase in dental facilities was required in order to meet the increase in demand for dental services in the area. The provision of these extra facilities necessitated adjustments to the existing buildings.

In addition to the provision of two extra dental chairs the work involves the installation of specialist dental equipment which is aimed at increasing and improving the services available to patients. The new equipment is currently being installed and will be tested and commissioned by the board in conjunction with the suppliers. It is expected that the dental facilities will be in operation by the end of this month. In the meantime, dental services to those living in the Quarry Road catchment area are being provided in other facilities in surrounding areas.

Finally, the board has also informed my Department that it regrets any inconvenience caused but is confident that the new facilities, when in operation, will provide a wider range of improved dental services to a greater number of patients.