Vol. 559 No. 5
392 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress which has been made in resolving the dental dispute which has denied treatment to insured persons; the percentage of previously participating dentists involved in the dispute; the number of additional dentists who have joined the scheme since the dispute began; the savings which have been made since the dispute began; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26649/02]
393 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the measures she intends to take to resolve the dentists' dispute; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26796/02]
398 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress which has been made in resolving the dispute which has deprived PRSI contributors of dental care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26725/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 392, 393 and 398 together.
This dispute arose, as the Deputies are aware, when the Irish Dental Association advised dentists to impose increased charges on patients in breach of their contracts under the scheme. The scheme continues to operate and patients continue to be treated by dentists who are prepared to operate in accordance with their contracts. Claims are not being accepted from dentists who were not prepared to adhere to the contractual arrangements.
My concern, throughout this dispute, is to ensure protection against full private fees for basic items of dental treatment under the scheme. Efforts to resolve the dispute are continuing, but so far it has not been possible to reach agreement on a mechanism which would afford the necessary level of protection for these workers. My officials are available for further discussion with the association to try and find a basis for resolution of the dispute. In the meantime, insured workers have been advised to check that their dentist is not imposing increased charges prior to starting treatment. They have also been advised that, where dentists offer to treat people as private patients, this is outside the terms of the dental benefit scheme and the Department will not be in a position to refund any costs arising.
