David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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68. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to tackle waiting lists and deliver public dental and orthodontic care; his further plans to expand eligibility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23645/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Public Dental Service of the HSE treats children up to 16, and persons of all ages with special needs, through its dental clinics. All HSE dental clinics prioritise emergency care for children up to 16, treatment for special needs patients and screening of children aged from 11 to 13 years, including referral for orthodontic services where necessary. Orthodontic treatment is provided to those who have the greatest level of need and have been assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday. There are no plans to expand eligibility for such care.

As the provision of public dental and orthodontic care is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly on waiting lists and the delivery of care, as soon as possible.