The Deputy's question about the number of orthodontic cases that have been referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
In regard to the Deputy's question about the creation of an orthodontic fund to treat children who have been waiting the longest for treatment, the position is that the Programme for Government contains a commitment that orthodontic cases can be referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund. Officials of my Department are examining the steps involved in advancing this matter.