Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on orthodontics at the earliest convenience. It is of serious concern to parents of teenagers. Over a number of years it has been recognised that there has been an effort by consultants in private practice to drive parents to use their services. They are using a dominant position to prevent the delivery of the service through the public service. That is a pity, particularly with the pressures on parents of teenage children. It is right that the State should have a proper and coherent policy on orthodontics. We are aware of the difficulties young people have at that vulnerable age; their physical appearance is most important to them. The lack of delivery of a quality orthodontic service is having a dramatic effect on the lives of young people and of their parents. Parents are obliged to pay large fees to private consultants. An Oireachtas report has been prepared on this subject and there have been various meetings on it. There should be a debate in the House to advance this case as quickly as possible.