asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to a statement by the midland group of dental practitioners concerning his Department's dental benefits scheme and the scale of fees paid to participating dentists; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dental Benefits Scheme.
23.
I have seen several statements made by or on behalf of a group of dental practitioners in the midland area. Twenty-three of these dentists who I understand are members of the Irish Dental Association terminated, with effect from 1st December, 1970, their agreements to provide dental services under the Department's scheme. It was stated at the time that their action in withdrawing from the scheme was because of their dissatisfaction with the fees being paid under the scheme although agreement on the question of these fees had then been reached with the Irish Dental Association and the new rates had been brought into operation with effect from 17th August, 1970. At that stage the only matter still being discussed was the question of payments in respect of certain specialised and expensive treatments the cost of which the Department had agreed should be met on a grant-in-aid basis.
While I recognise the right of any dentist to withdraw from the scheme at any time and for any reason, it would be improper of me to enter into separate negotiations in the matter of fees with any body or group other than the Irish Dental Association who have always been recognised as the negotiating body on behalf of dental practitioners. For this reason I have refused to treat with this group of dentists.
Thirteen of the dentists who resigned in December last applied for re-admission to the dental panel last month and new forms of agreement were sent to them for completion.
I may add that, apart from the specialised items of treatment which I have mentioned and on which negotiations are still proceeding with the Irish Dental Association, fees now being paid under the scheme on the scale agreed are in general higher than those being paid for corresponding treatments to dental practitioners in Great Britain. The Irish Dental Association has now intimated that submissions on a demand for a new scale of fees are being made and a preliminary meeting in this matter arranged last month with officials of my Department, will take place next week.