Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1366. To ask the Minister for Health the provision that is being made in 2023 to fund waiting list initiatives for child orthodontic work; and if new categories will gain access to the option of private treatment. [63948/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Orthodontic treatment is provided by the HSE for patients who:

- have been referred before their 16^thbirthday; and

- who are assessed as qualifying for HSE-funded treatment using the HSE eligibility guidelines which prioritise clinical need.

Over 10,000 people are currently in active orthodontic treatment which has been funded by the State and which can take several years to complete.

I am committed to reducing the waiting times for those patients who are waiting to commence orthodontic treatment. 2,226 patients are currently receiving treatment with a private provider through a procurement initiative which will continue this year through €4 million funding allocated via Budget 2023. This funding will continue to be targeted to those patients who have been waiting the longest to access treatment and some of the more complex surgical cases will also be included this year.