Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if dental treatment is included under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if she will include it; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13523/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) was established to arrange treatment for patients who have been waiting longest on surgical, in-patient waiting lists. Under the provisions of its establishment order, the NTPF currently arranges hospital-based treatment. As dental treatment does not normally require in-patient care, it does not fall currently within the remit of the NTPF.

My Department is in discussions with the NTPF at present in relation to the possible involvement of NTPF in sourcing orthodontic treatment.