Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

The Bill does not provide such an opportunity. I understand any defects detected in primary school will be treated up to the age of 16 years. I agree with the Senator on the general position of orthodontics, which I understand has been the subject of two reports produced by the Joint Committee on Health and Children. There is a great deal of dissatisfaction with the orthodontic service, particularly in areas which once had excellent services. For reasons I do not propose to discuss in detail, the services in question were sabotaged, as it were, and certain actions had an effect on them. I am aware that these services are being examined with a view to reinstating the services in place a few years ago because at that time excellent work was being done in orthodontics in certain former health board areas. For example, waiting lists in some of them, which were once short, have increased significantly.

The orthodontic service as a whole needs to be examined. The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, and I would be obliged if the Joint Committee on Health and Children were to produce further recommendations. While orthodontic treatment is not a question of life and death, it is very important for the children involved and their parents.