Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1960.To ask the Minister for Health the number of orthodontists currently servicing the waiting list in Clare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30907/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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1961.To ask the Minister for Health if a reimbursed orthodontic fee scheme could be introduced in Ireland (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30910/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE provides orthodontic treatment for patients with the most severe and complex orthodontic treatment needs. Referral for orthodontic assessment is usually made in 6th Class.

The HSE has been supported through sustained investment to address orthodontic treatment waiting lists through private waiting list initiatives, which provide care to patients as close as possible to where they live. This investment, including an additional €10 million in 2023, reduced orthodontic treatment waiting lists by 8,700 patients, or 44%, between end-March 2019 and end-December 2023.

In addition, a new orthognathic (jaw) surgery waiting list initiative commenced in September 2023. These are complex surgeries which require a lengthy hospital stay. This year, a further €3.35m is being invested on a one-off basis to support both initiatives. Up to the end of May this year, 216 patients have been transferred into private orthodontic care nationally, including 43 who required orthognathic surgery.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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1962.To ask the Minister for Health the rationale behind the recent decision by the Health Service Executive to reduce the reimbursement rate for cataract surgery from €1,928 to €863 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30918/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.