asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is now in a position to state when it is proposed to resume the grant of dental benefits to insured persons.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dental Benefits for Insured Persons.
I have received a communication from the Irish Dental Association advising me of the profession's rejection of my proposals for a settlement of the present dispute. I am consideringwhat steps should now be taken having regard to this decision.
Can the Minister hold out any hope to insured persons, who have now been deprived of dental benefits for a period of 14 months, as to when this service is likely to be available to them again?
I shall have to do something about it now.
It is good to have even that microscopic move. Will the Minister say when this benefit is likely to be available to these insured persons because what is happening at the moment is that either they are not having the urgent dental treatment carried out or, if they have it carried out, they are asked to pay very high fees to dentists in a private capacity?
High fees are right. The dental profession wanted to get higher fees than dentists are getting in England and the whole world knows that the dental profession in England made an exorbitant income out of this service.
Will the Minister advertise the fees he is prepared to pay?
I will.
And see whether people will undertake the work at the fees which are declared by him to be payable?
I shall do something soon, anyhow.