Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Many parts of the country do not appear to have acute difficulties with regard to waiting lists for orthodontic treatment. However, the old Mid-Western Health Board region has major difficulties with regard to the orthodontic service supplied by the Health Service Executive and the long waiting lists involved when young patients are classified as suitable for treatment. This drags on into their teenage years, when they are more self-conscious with regard to their appearance. In that context, parents are often pressurised due to frustration with the waiting lists and will opt for private practice. I question why orthodontics was not classified as a category for which patients could avail of the National Treatment Purchase Fund if there was an acute delay, such as the delays which occur in certain parts of the country, particularly my area.

The Leader should contact the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children with regard to the National Treatment Purchase Fund and the possibility of including orthodontic treatment as a category which qualifies for this resource when patients suffer long delays. I have received complaints from parents in my area who have become frustrated with the system and paid a lot of money to access treatment in private practice.