Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am afraid I cannot comment on ophthalmology specifically in the south but I will ask the HSE to give the Deputy information on that.

We are developing a new oral health policy that will fit into the Healthy Ireland framework and is being led by the chief dental officer. The initial research coming back is that Ireland's oral health is improving. Children have fewer cavities than they had in the past so notwithstanding the fact that services have been curtailed, oral health is improving and there are fewer cases of caries and cavities than there were in the past. I do not know whether this is down to increased hygiene or the fact that the bug that causes the cavities is less prevalent but oral hygiene in Ireland is definitely improving and we have the evidence to support that.

A total of 24,000 people are having orthodontic treatment at the moment. However, 17,000 people are awaiting treatment. We will do exactly what Deputy Kelleher suggests. A total of €1 million has been set aside in the service plan to tender to the private sector for orthodontic services to address those waiting a very long time. That requires a procurement process which will start quite soon. The treatment for those cases will begin towards the end of the year. I accept completely what Deputies say about orthodontics not being just cosmetic and the psychological impact of bullying where people have problems with their teeth but it will still be the case that we must prioritise those who have a problem with their bite. Orthognathic surgery must be prioritised but €1 million is set aside for a specific outsourced initiative for orthodontics this year.