Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for their presentations and for dealing with the questions raised. I want to deal with an aspect I am concerned about, which is orthodontic treatment for people aged under 18 in Cork. We have a four to five year waiting list. In fact, the most recent letter I received from the HSE was to the effect that the people being treated at present have been on the list since 2016. Can someone give me an explanation as to why people who require orthodontic treatment in Kerry are referred to private practitioners under a scheme, and I am not sure which one, but in Cork we just leave people on a list? Can people apply under the National Treatment Purchase Fund for orthodontic treatment? If not, why not, particularly with this waiting time period? Perhaps someone might clarify this issue for me please.