Vol. 270 No. 12
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the contribution made by private dentists to the dental service in County Donegal; and if he will try to settle the dispute between the private dentists and the health board to avoid the danger of having a totally inadequate dental service in the county.
23.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the private dentists in County Donegal have given notice to the area health board that they intend to withdraw their services as and from 30th April, 1974, unless the Department of Health negotiates a revised scale of fees with them and offers them an acceptable agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 22 and 23 together.
I am aware that, for some years past, there has been an arrangement between the health board and private dentists in County Donegal for the treatment of eligible persons on a fee per item basis. The matter is essentially one for the health board but I understand that in December, 1973, a revised scale of fees was negotiated between the board and the dentists participating in this local scheme. The board is at present in touch with the dentists about the implementation of the revised fees.
Why are the fees paid to private dentists lower than those paid by the Department of Social Welfare?
I cannot say. This has been the position for years. A specific contract was entered into between the dentists and the health board.
Why have the officials in the Minister's Department refused to meet the representatives of the Dental Association to resolve this matter?
That is a separate question.
I am not aware that there has been a blanket refusal, but as I said in reply to the two Deputies from Donegal, the board are in touch with these dentists. I am informed that eight of the 16 participating dentists have accepted the revised scale and that there are negotiations with the others.
Would the Minister ask some of his officials to meet the dental association to try to have this matter resolved, as it is very serious in view of the fact that these dentists are going to withdraw their services on 30th April?
I am not aware that they are going to withdraw their services on 30th April.
That was suggested because the officials will not meet them.
The Deputy suggests in one of his queries that I should ask the officials to seek discussions with the dentists. Is that so? Has there been an application from the health board?
On many occasions the Minister's officials have refused to meet the dental association.
We cannot engage in argument.
Because it is primarily a matter for the North Western Health Board.
In view of the problem which the North Western Health Board have been trying to solve over a number of years, even to the extent of employing dentists from across the Border, would the Minister use his good offices to ensure that this problem will not be further aggravated?
I do not know what could further aggravate the problem. If I can help in any way I certainly will, but I do not think I ought be expected to intervene now that the matter is in negotiation between the health board officials and the dentists' organisation.
Is the Minister washing his hands of the problem?
The Chair has called the next question.
