Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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201. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 576 of 26 March 2013 and the recommendations of the Health Service Executive report commissioned to establish the changes that are necessary to improve orthodontic treatment nationally, if he will review the reasons a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary has to wait another year before an orthodontic appointment arises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39209/14]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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PA Consulting Group was commissioned by the HSE to undertake a review of Orthodontic Services. The terms of reference were to:

-assess the current delivery system and

-make recommendations for the future organisation and management.

The review commenced in November 2012 and was completed in late 2013. The key issue highlighted by the review is that the Orthodontic Service should be fully integrated within the Primary Care Service. This will be implemented as part of the HSE's reform programme. The HSE has also recently established a pilot scheme which will involve the use of orthodontic therapists. In addition, over the next three years orthodontic treatment for certain categories of misalignment will be provided by a panel of independent practitioners under contract to the HSE. A tender process is currently underway and is due to be ready for commencement in January 2015. It is expected that these changes will have a positive impact on waiting times.

The HSE has been asked to examine the query raised by the Deputy concerning the patient on the waiting list and to reply to him as soon as possible.