I have received a reply from the HSE in relation to orthodontic treatment waiting time.

“Presently there are 1031 patients awaiting times in the Saolta Group serving Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, 645 of these patients are in Galway.

There are a further 1430 patients awaiting treatments of which 842 are Galway patients”.

In total there almost 2,500 patients waiting treatment.

“Some patients are waiting more than two years for assessment or treatment. This is unacceptable and the issue needs immediate action to clear the backlog both for assessments and treatments”.

“I have also been informed that there are no unfilled clinical positions, so the staffing is no longer the issue”.

“Years of waiting for appointments is very frustrating and this issue needs to be addressed to alleviate stress on patients and families”.