asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state when it is proposed to resume the grant of dental benefits to insured persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dental Benefits.
Pending the result of discussions at present in progress with representatives of the dental profession it is not possible to state when the provision of dental benefit for insured persons will be resumed.
For the information of insured persons who are anxious to avail of the dental benefit normally provided under the Act, will the Minister say whether these discussions are likely to lead to a satisfactory settlement of the matter which has been in dispute so long?
The Deputy will realise that it is very hard to give an opinion. All I can say is that after a very long lapse of time the discussions have been resumed.
The Minister will appreciate that if a person who is not getting benefit to-day decides, because of the need for dental treatment, to have that treatment before a settlement is arrived at he will have to pay himself, whereas if a settlement is arrived at a week or a fortnight hence the Department of Social Welfare will pay a proportion of the cost? In view of that fact, will the Minister now hazard some guess as to what the outcome will be and suggest to those concerned in the matter that they should delay having dental ailments attended to until he brings to a conclusion these discussions with the dentists?
Is it not very hard for me to give an opinion? If I thought the other parties were as reasonable as I am I could say there would be a settlement.
I appreciate the Minister's difficulties in that respect, but he also appreciates the position of the insured persons.
I have that in mind.
Can the Minister give an idea as to when the negotiations will be brought to a conclusion?
Probably within a few weeks.
Do you suggest then that all dental activity should be frozen for a few weeks?