So we understand what the problem is. The problem is the difference between what the service costs and what NIHB is prepared to cover. It is $244, as the Minister says, per child. I know of at least 130 children who are on a waiting list today waiting for dental surgery.
In the interest of processing their cases, the Minister is expecting the federal government to perhaps come back and raise their contribution. Maybe the dental surgeons will lower their fees.
In the meantime, these children are sick. Many of them are on pain relief to try and alleviate symptoms of their various conditions, such as abscesses and so on. Mr. Speaker, these folks are in limbo right now. What is the plan?