David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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I agree with that but I have two other questions I want to ask and I know that others may want to come back in again. This is a very important issue because dentists are leaving the scheme. Regardless of their motivations or of the rights and wrongs of the matter, they are voting with their feet and are leaving the scheme in big numbers. The consequence of this is people are not getting treatment. I have been given information on the waiting times for children's orthodontic treatment. It is horrific. Some of them are waiting more than four years. We have a dire shortage of orthodontists throughout the country. In Deputy Butler's constituency, which is also mine, and right across the south east, there are real pressures with regard to orthodontic waiting times. We need a new plan, a new strategy and a new contract.