Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I refer to the crisis in the provision of orthodontic treatment to pre-teens and teenagers. Currently, 11,508 children are on the waiting list for such treatment and some must wait up to four years. A total of 15,398 children have not even made it onto the waiting list. I am worried because a consultant orthodontist has accused the Department of Health and Children of massaging the figures and ensuring the guidelines for such treatment have been tightened. He said the Department is giving the health boards a licence to lie. The Leader should call on the Minister for Health and Children to attend the House to defend this serious charge and explain why this situation pertains.