Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 886: To ask the Minister for Health the steps he will take to address the issue of increasing numbers of persons who travel abroad for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41221/11]

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 887: To ask the Minister for Health if figures are available for the number of persons who travelled abroad for orthodontic treatment in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41222/11]

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 888: To ask the Minister for Health the reason there is a difference in costs that leads to an increasing number of persons travelling abroad each year for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41223/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 886 to 888, inclusive, together.

The Health Service Executive provides orthodontic treatment to patients based on their level of clinical need. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) does not refer patients abroad for orthodontic treatment. Neither does the HSE record the number of patients travelling abroad in a private capacity for orthodontic treatment.

Consultation fees charged to private patients by orthodontists are a matter of private contract between the clinicians and the patients.

The HSE is currently progressing with an independent review of Orthodontic and Oral and Maxillofacial Services, which will consider a number of service provision models. The outcome of this review will give guidance as to what changes will be desirable to provide the best possible model of care delivery, given the current resources available and expected future demand for the services.