Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. Like him, I appreciate the frustration that families and, in particular, parents feel at not being able to access services in a timely way. We all see that in our constituencies when these queries are raised with us.

This is an area that has received significant investment in recent years, with more than €200 million allocated every year for oral healthcare. That investment is targeted at those who need it the most and those who cannot access services privately. There is a clear commitment. The funding is being used to treat more patients. Last year, more than 154,000 additional treatments were provided under the dental treatment services scheme, with over 26,700 extra patients, compared with the year prior. In 2022, the dental treatment services scheme was enhanced to reintroduce elements of preventative care, which is the best way to deal with this issue, and substantially increase the fees paid to dental contractors for most treatments by between 40% and 60%. Improvements in access to care and reductions in waiting lists in recent years have been supported by significant investment. An additional €15 million was provided in core funding to support the national oral health policy. A further €17 million was provided in one-off funding to improve access and try to reduce waiting lists. My understanding is that there has been a significant reduction in children’s waiting lists. In particular, the backlog in sixth class appointments has almost been cleared in all areas. The Minister for Health is working to ensure that we can address any further backlogs as they arise.

Regarding the current scheme, the Minister has increased the fees that are paid to contractors for most treatments by between 40% and 60%. They are now aligned with other European countries. Many countries, especially in Europe’s southern and eastern regions, do not have such a scheme, particularly for adults, that is free at point of access.

These developments are having an impact, with access to care increasing in 2023 and increasing further again in 2024. There are particular challenges in Louth, especially as regards orthodontic care. Work is being done to try to address those challenges. Where orthodontist positions have not been filled locally, the HSE is seeking other orthodontists within the CHO 8 area to take on patients where there is space within their practices. This has had a positive impact on reducing the waiting lists. There are full-time positions being sought, but other methods of recruitment are also under way, which will take a little longer. Every effort is being made to try to address what is probably one of the greatest challenges in Louth in terms of orthodontic care for young people and adults.

See this speech in context