Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I appreciate the Minister's response. We need information on timelines and tenders so that we can see light at the end of the tunnel in terms of delivering for those patients. The Minister accepts that we are talking about those with the most serious orthodontic need. The sooner that happens, the better. Otherwise we could be talking about people who need far more acute care, which will be a cost to them and their families and to the State. We need to ensure these initiatives, which have been promised, are up and running and work as soon as possible, while ensuring that those vacancies that exist in respect of orthodontic services, particularly in the Dublin and north-east region, are dealt with. This is an issue constantly raised in my constituency office. There is even communication from time to time from those who work in the services who see the stress parents are under as well as the pain and anguish children go through in these circumstances.

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