asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is aware that employees of Córas Iompair Éireann who have sought dental treatment under the national health insurance scheme, have been refused treatment; and, if so, if he will state the reasons for the refusal, and have arrangements made to have treatment provided for those concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Córas Iompair Éireann Employees' Dental Treatment.
I am aware that the employees of Córas Iompair Éireann who are insured persons under the National Health Insurance Acts in common with other persons insured under these Acts have been unable since the 1st April last to avail of dental benefit under the scheme of additional benefits administered by my Department. This is because the dental profession, after negotiation, refused to accept the fees offered for their services—fees, which, in my opinion, represented an equitable increase over those previously paid.
I regret that in the circumstances it is not possible to provide dental treatment under the Department's scheme.