230. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health for an update on the continuing crisis in orthodontic provision in South Tipperary; the current numbers awaiting assessment and treatment and the longest waiting times; the progress made in filling long-standing specialist vacancies and providing treatment through private capacity; and whether a specific waiting-list recovery plan with measurable targets and timelines will now be put in place. [63809/26]

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.