Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the plans she has to improve the delivery of orthodontic services in the mid west region in view of the fact that waiting lists and the strict criteria of assessing children and grading cases is causing grave hardship for children and their families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22827/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Orthodontic Review Group, established by the HSE in 2006, finalised its report this year.

One of the recommendations contained in the report relates to the guidelines issued in 1985. The Review Group made a unanimous recommendation to the HSE to replace these guidelines with new assessment criteria based on Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). The national implementation of the proposed guidelines will ensure equity of access to treatment for all patients deemed eligible.

The Review Group's report has been approved by the HSE's Management Team.

In regard to the Deputy's question in relation to waiting times to improve orthodontic services, the position is that the new Programme for Government contains a commitment that orthodontic cases can be referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) by creating an orthodontic fund to treat children who have been waiting the longest for treatment. Officials from my Department will examine the steps involved in advancing this issue while also having discussions with the National Treatment Purchase Fund.