I wish to raise with the Tánaiste and especially the Minister for Health the provision of orthodontic services for young schoolchildren in County Kerry. It has become apparent that there is a four to five-year waiting list. This is not on, especially for young girls and boys who are embarrassed to go out and meet their friends. They may not even have teeth when they finally receive orthodontic treatment. It is not fair. How will the Minister address this problem which has been ongoing for a long time? It is not acceptable that young girls and boys in County Kerry must wait for four or five years for orthodontic treatment.

Is this a commitment in the programme for Government?

It is included under the heading of health. I want an honest response.

As the Deputy knows, approximately 12,000 staff left the health service during the very difficult economic period we experienced. Some 6,000 staff have now been recruited back into the service. Services are improving and waiting times should diminish with the additional resources that have been put in place, including the figure of €500 million. I will ask the Minister to respond directly to the Deputy on the issue he has raised.