Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Minister for State will be aware that in recent weeks worrying facts have come to light regarding the sale of used orthodontic braces by a dentist employed by the HSE in Merlin Park, Galway. These braces which should have been incinerated were sold to private practices. The HSE became aware of this fact in 2009 and it was exposed in the Connacht Tribune recently. Four years later, however, there is still no explanation from the HSE as to why this practice was allowed to occur or the action it took on learning of this matter. Furthermore, it has not answered questions on the potential risks for those who had the second-hand braces used in the course of their treatment. More worryingly, further information has since come to light which raises serious concerns about potential exposure to infection. Many parents are rightly concerned and seeking information on whether the braces they worked hard or, in some cases, borrowed to pay for were second-hand.

If so, what are the risk factors for their child?

As both the Minister and the HSE are aware, the information that has come into my possession in recent times raises very serious questions about a range of issues including the action taken by the HSE on being made aware of this practice being carried out by one individual dentist but, most important, it raises extremely serious questions regarding the exposure of patients to the risk of infection.

We must know whether the HSE took steps to address the risk on becoming aware of the practice in 2009 and whether contact has been made with any patient - either private or public - who was potentially exposed to such a risk, as a result of the individual's actions and the sale of second-hand braces. The HSE must also clarify whether the risk to patients continued even after it became aware of the actions of this individual in 2009. People are rightly horrified at the thought of the practice taking place. It beggars belief that the HSE in Merlin Park would not re-use crutches but the re-use of dental braces was going on for a number of years. What action has been taken against the dentist concerned?

The Minister must now establish an immediate, independent investigation into the issues surrounding the sale of second-hand braces by the HSE dentist. Such an investigation is needed to establish when allegations of the practice were first known; what action was taken and when; and also to identify any risks that may exist regarding infection; communicate with patients and-or their parents; investigate the private practice concerned; clarify what cleaning and sterilisation processes were employed before the braces were placed in another child's mouth; if there was an element of fraud involved in the re-use of the braces; and to make the results public as soon as is practicable.

Such an investigation is needed to establish whether the HSE's actions on learning of this practice were in line with its own policies on infection control and patient safety. We must know how long this practice had been going on and when it was first brought to the attention of the authorities. We also need to know where the braces went and the steps taken to trace the children involved.

There are many professional health care staff working within the department in Galway whose reputation must be protected and who would, no doubt, like to see a fully independent investigation take place to expose the truth behind this disgusting practice carried out by one individual and the issues that have arisen as a consequence. The HSE has confirmed that it will fully investigate this matter. However, in light of the information that has come into my possession it is clear that this is not adequate and that a full and independent investigation must now take place.

See this speech in context