Will the Minister agree that between adults and young people there are about 20,000 people on the waiting list for orthodontic services? Further, will he not agree it would mean having nine people on an orthodontic team to provide a minimum service? In view of the commitment he has given to Dublin, and to the Eastern Health Board region, will he ensure that a consultant orthodontist on an academic basis be made available in the Western Health Board area to alleviate the long waiting list there?

The situation in the Western Health Board area is quite different from that of the Eastern Health Board in relation to such an appointment.

They are all people.

I hope a consultant orthodontist will be appointed in the Western Health Board area in the near future.