Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent)
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313. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the lack of funding for orthodontic treatments for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47203/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I secured a substantial increase in funding for the HSE in 2021 to fund improved service provision across all parts of the health sector.

I am informed by the HSE that over 800 dental professionals are employed in the HSE dental and orthodontic service, including Consultant Orthodontists (10.3 WTE) and Specialist Orthodontists specialists (39.3 WTE). Orthodontic treatment is provided to patients with the greatest need.

Through waiting list initiatives, the HSE also procures orthodontic care through private service providers. Since 2016 approximately 2,000 patients have received treatment in this way.

In addition, the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme, operational from 1 January 2021 for 12 months on an administrative basis, enables persons resident in the State to access and be reimbursed for private healthcare, including orthodontic care, in Northern Ireland by the HSE, provided such healthcare is publicly available within Ireland. Patients also continue to have access to health services under the EU Cross Border Directive Scheme in EU/EEA countries.

Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy (2019) provides a framework to transform oral health services and will facilitate better oral healthcare for everyone. The Policy supports the development of clinical care pathways to ensure that some aspects of orthodontic care, where appropriate, will be more readily available in a primary dental care practice. Stakeholders including the Dental Council will have an important role in progressing these aspects of the Policy, which will be implemented on a phased basis.