Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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407. To ask the Minister for Health the action he will take to prioritise the improvement of access to orthodontic treatment in Saint James' Hospital in Dubiln 8, given the concerns of many parents that there is now a waiting list for non-emergency cases of up to three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39291/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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In addition to the orthodontic services provided by HSE staff, a national procurement process is currently underway to provide treatment for certain categories of misalignment by a panel of independent practitioners under contract to the HSE over the next three years, with consideration of an extension to four years. This initiative will especially focus on those waiting for four years or longer. Tenders are currently being evaluated and it is expected that contracts will be awarded by the end of 2015. It is expected that this initiative will have a positive impact on waiting times. The HSE has also established a pilot scheme in Dublin North East which involves the use of orthodontic therapists in the treatment of a number of eligible children. Two Orthodontic Therapists successfully completed their training with the Dublin Dental University Hospital in June 2015. Evaluation of this pilot scheme is underway.