Dinny McGinley
Question:9 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will refund dental expenses to those people who had to pay for their dental treatment during the dispute with the Irish Dental Association. [4857/03]
Vol. 561 No. 6
9 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will refund dental expenses to those people who had to pay for their dental treatment during the dispute with the Irish Dental Association. [4857/03]
34 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which the money saved as a result of her refusal to accept claims from workers under the PRSI scheme during the dental dispute will be allocated; and her Department's estimate of this figure. [4953/03]
37 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the situation with regard to the dispute with the Irish Dental Association; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4882/03]
42 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the amount of money withheld from dentists during the course of the recent dispute in regard to dental benefits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4997/03]
61 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the situation concerning the provision of dental services for PRSI contributions; the number of weeks since the dental dispute first commenced; her plans to compensate insured workers who had to pay for dental treatment during this dispute; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4880/03]
62 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the way in which she will compensate people who have lost out on dental treatment due to the dental dispute. [4856/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 34, 37, 42, 61 and 62 together.
Dental benefit is provided to insured workers through a panel of dentists who enter into agreements with my Department to provide treatments under the scheme on a contract basis and at fees specified in the agreements. Under these arrangements and with limited exceptions, treatments are provided to the patients free of charge or at a reduced fee and the Department pays the balance of the cost directly to the dentist at the agreed rates.