Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise the issue of long waiting lists for assessment and orthodontic treatment in the Cork region. Cork, which is in the HSE's southern region, has always had a difficulty in this regard, particularly in the past 12 months. I wish to pay tribute to Dr. Ian O'Dowling, a consultant orthodontist who died suddenly this time last year. He was a long-time campaigner for the improvement of orthodontic services for the individuals with whom he was dealing.

In general, the people who need this type of treatment are in their adolescent years. It is not always a matter of appearances. In many cases, the treatment is required for health reasons. For example, one could be in a great deal of pain. If teeth are not adjusted and repaired in the early years when their formation can be influenced, it can lead to long-term difficulties in adulthood. As such, orthodontic treatment is important for medical reasons and reasons of appearance.

Following a parliamentary question that I tabled, I received the latest figures for waiting lists in the southern region. At the beginning of October, the number of people awaiting assessment for orthodontic treatment was 3,455 and the average waiting time was 12 months. Children are not considered until they reach 12 years of age. The waiting list for category 4 treatment comprises 2,942 people who have been waiting 42 months. As such, the average amount of time someone who is older than 12 years of age must wait to be assessed and treated is 54 months according to my figures. This is four and a half years. A young individual would need to wait throughout his or her teenage years for orthodontic treatment. This is unacceptable.

In the past 13 months, Dr. O'Dowling has not been replaced. In his capacity as a consultant orthodontist, he regularly campaigned to increase services. Will the Minister of State outline what effect the moratorium on recruiting orthodontists has had on the extensive waiting lists? A great deal of hardship and distress is being caused to young people and their families. Will the Minister of State address the possibility of purchasing services in the private sector to deal with the waiting lists? The lists have become excessive and will never return to normal levels unless vacancies are filled. We need to ensure the waiting lists, particularly in light of their development during the past 12 months, are tackled if we are to revert to a situation in which we can provide young people with the treatment they need and deserve.