Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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810. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the decline in persons using private orthodontists; if these professionals could be used to reduce waiting lists in the public sector through payment in the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33129/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The HSE is aware of the need to address orthodontic waiting times and commissioned an independent national review of orthodontic services to give guidance as to what changes will be desirable. The key issue highlighted by the review, which assessed services nationally, is that the Orthodontic Service should be fully integrated within the Primary Care Service. This is under consideration by the HSE to be implemented as part of the HSE's reform programme. In addition, an initiative to reduce waiting times through the provision of additional services by private orthodontists is currently under consideration.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) deals with hospital care. As most orthodontic treatment does not normally require hospital based care, the NTPF has no role in this matter.