Vol. 421 No. 1
23 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has yet received the result of the ballot to be conducted by the Irish Dental Association regarding the long running dispute which has prevented the spouses of insured workers getting dental treatment; if it is still intended to implement the changes from the beginning of July; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As the House is already aware, a formal offer of settlement proposals has been made to the Irish Dental Association which I am confident will bring about an end to this long-running dispute and ensure that dependent spouses of qualified insured persons will again be treated by all dentists participating in the dental benefit scheme.
The Irish Dental Association, in accordance with its rules, is conducting a ballot of its members and that ballot is underway at present. Unfortunately, the postal dispute delayed the issue of the ballot papers. I understand from the association that a result of the ballot should be available in time for their National Council meeting on Saturday, 13 June 1992. I am confident of a positive outcome and that the intended implementation date of the beginning of July 1992 for the new arrangements will stand.
The main elements of the settlement proposals comprise the introduction of a new contract for dentists participating in the scheme and a revised schedule of fees for dental treatment provided under the scheme. The new dental contract is designed to more adequately reflect modern dental practices and includes mechanisms for improved consultation with the dental profession and improved monitoring of standards which will ultimately lead to a better quality of service for the patient. The revised schedule of fees for treatment carried out under the scheme will give participating dentists a fair and economic return for their professional services.
