Under the Health Act 1970, only children are eligible for orthodontic treatment on the basis of defects noted at school health examinations carried out while attending national school. Tax relief is available in respect of orthodontic treatment costs obtained privately.
Responsibility for the provision of orthodontic treatment to eligible persons is the statutory responsibility of the health boards and authority in the first instance. My Department has asked the relevant board's CEO to investigate the matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.