Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to tell the Taoiseach about a 14-year-old boy from my constituency. This young man had braces fitted in the orthodontic clinic in Louth County Hospital last October. In December, however, his family were told this young man's dentist had resigned and there would be a lengthy waiting period for his next appointment. He had his braces tightened but was then informed he was no longer attached to an orthodontist and would therefore not be given any further appointments. In fact, his mother was told only last week that he is not even on a waiting list. He has, essentially, been left mid-treatment without an orthodontist. His parents are deeply concerned. The young lad now has a large gap in his teeth. Normally, he was a confident and outgoing young fella but now he is very self-conscious. He covers his mouth when he is speaking and has become withdrawn and reluctant to get involved in activities he used to love. This is not the only child in this situation. In fact, I am told there are 100 other children and young people in the same position. Will the Taoiseach engage with the Minister for Health and ensure this issue is addressed urgently for these children?

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