Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The situation in respect of orthodontic treatment is nothing new. Issues of delay, in particular for young people who can be very sensitive about orthodontic requirements, arises every couple of years. All the orthodontic decisions are made by qualified orthodontists. The extensive waiting lists of the past have been reduced and there is a difference where it is a matter of carrying out a non-orthodontic but urgent dental procedure. The HSE has made inroads into the general orthodontic situation that applies nationally and we will get the figures for County Kerry for Deputy Healy-Rae.

Extra money has been allocated for home help and extra hours are being worked. It is a matter for the director of services in the Kerry area to define for the Deputy what extra help, if any, is being given in respect of home help. The overall allocation has increased and the number of hours has increased. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae is right to say that it is not good that somebody is left over a long weekend without attention but in general home help hours form part of a process of looking after people who are on their own and also need to be looked after by their broader families. In many cases, a roster is worked out of which home help is an essential part. Again, the information will be provided to Deputy Danny Healy-Rae as to the general situation for home help hours in County Kerry.

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