Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on calls for an independent person to examine the reason thousands of children are waiting for orthodontic treatment or being denied treatment; the number of children and adults waiting for treatment; the number of orthodontists currently being trained; the progress to date on implementing the recommendations made in 2005 by the Joint Committee on Health and Children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41381/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Service Executive (HSE) established an Orthodontic Review Group. The terms of reference for the group are:

to review the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee Reports;

to examine the recommendations within the operational remit of the HSE and to establish their status;

to conduct an analysis of the HSE's existing orthodontic delivery structure and capacity.

Based on that analysis, to make recommendations in that regard;

the recommendations thus made to be costed and a time-frame for their implementation proposed.

I have been advised that the Review Group has concluded its meetings and is finalising its report and recommendations. The report will be presented to the Chief Executive Officer of the HSE in the near future. I look forward to receiving and considering the Report.