John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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547. To ask the Minister for Health if he will publish the full report of an investigation into the damage caused to children while under the care of the public orthodontic services; if he will publish the results of the examination of 6,000 clients' charts relative to the investigation; if he is satisfied that those children affected have been recalled to rectify any issues that might have been identified; the action his Department has taken since concerns were first raised in 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19496/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The provision of orthodontic services is an operational matter for which the HSE has responsibility. I am informed by the HSE that a statement of concern regarding Orthodontic Services in the Dublin area during the period 1999 to 2000 is being examined by the HSE in accordance with normal look-back procedures. This arises due to concerns expressed by a clinician in relation to the care provided. The review is being overseen by a multi-disciplinary team and supported by external orthodontic expertise. The initial examination of 6,000 patient charts has been protracted due to the paper-based nature of the files and the passage of time, but is almost complete. The initial indications are that alternative care arrangements, including private care arrangements, were provided by the Eastern Regional Health Authority. However, as not all records are complete, the HSE plans to arrange physical dental examinations for 50 of the patients to ensure that all matters were followed up appropriately. It is the HSE's intention to publish the report as soon as the examinations of this statement of concern are concluded.