661 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children her views on the provision of orthodontic treatment under the national treatment purchase fund to help clear public waiting lists; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1179/07]

My Department, in 2002, arranged with the National Treatment Purchase Fund to provide treatment for persons on the orthodontic waiting list. If proposals are made to me by the Health Service Executive regarding a further use of the Fund towards this waiting list it will be considered. However, no decision can be taken on such a proposal until it is fully assessed.