Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 335: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of children under five waiting more than three months for occupational or speech and language therapy who have been given access to these services through the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22955/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 only hospital-based treatment. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to ensure that any child under five years who is waiting for more than three months for occupational and speech therapy can access these services automatically through the NTPF. My Department is considering the question of how best to achieve this objective having regard to available resources and the practical arrangements that would be necessary.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 336: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of orthodontic cases that have been referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if an orthodontic fund has been created to treat children who have been waiting longest for treatment. [22956/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy's question about the number of orthodontic cases that have been referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

In regard to the Deputy's question about the creation of an orthodontic fund to treat children who have been waiting the longest for treatment, the position is that the Programme for Government contains a commitment that orthodontic cases can be referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund. Officials of my Department are examining the steps involved in advancing this matter.