Marie Moloney (Labour)

I support Senator van Turnhout in her call for a hotline to be set up. On another issue, until March of this year dentists working with the HSE were able to carry out minor orthodontic procedures, including taking impressions and some orthodontic interventions, at a cost of approximately €250 to €300 per child. Given orthodontic treatment is generally €4,500, this was a huge saving to the HSE. Since March, without any discussion or warning, dentists have been advised they can no longer carry out these procedures and that the funding has been withdrawn. This has come as a huge shock to many, and I know of a number of dental clinics in Kerry that have closed down, necessitating parents to travel many miles to visit the school dentist.

I ask the Deputy Leader to ask the Minister for Health to come to the House to debate the issue. This should not have been done without debate and discussion and he should explain the reasoning behind this. I call for the reintroduction of this scheme.