Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

On behalf of the Minister for Health and Children I am happy to have the opportunity to address the issue raised by Deputy Breen. The Minister and I understand from the Health Service Executive that during a dispute in 1999-2000, some patients undergoing active orthodontic treatment had their treatment delayed. The Minister and I are not aware of any clinical evidence of irreversible damage because some patients' treatments were delayed.

We also understand from the Dental Council, which deals with serious clinical issues, that the matter has not been referred to it. If any such clinical evidence is available, it should be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities. The provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons is the statutory responsibility of the HSE in the first instance. The Department and the HSE have the shared objective of developing sustainable quality, standards, treatment capacity and outcomes of our orthodontic services.

The Joint Committee on Health and Children carried out a review of orthodontic services which culminated in the publication of its report, The Orthodontic Service in Ireland, in 2002. The committee published a follow-up to that report in June 2005.

The HSE established a national orthodontic review group to draw together an agreed national approach under four principal headings: guidelines, training, service provision and manpower planning. The group consists of representatives from consultant orthodontists, management from the HSE, the Department and the dental schools in Cork and Dublin. The review group has concluded its meetings and is finalising its report and recommendations, which will be presented to the chief executive of the HSE soon. This will include recommendations on training. I look forward to considering this report, which my Department will receive shortly.

At the end of June 2006 there were almost 25,000 patients receiving orthodontic treatment in the public orthodontic service. Over twice as many patients are getting orthodontic treatment as are waiting to be treated. Over 5,500 extra patients are receiving treatment compared with four years ago. This tangible improvement will be further enhanced as the HSE develops the orthodontic services.

Our aim is to continue to make progress and to develop a high quality, reliable and sustainable orthodontics service for children and their parents.

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