asked the Minister for Social Welfare the measures he intends to take to solve the dispute over the free dental scheme in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Mayo Dental Scheme.
388.
Certain dentists in County Mayo refused to carry out free of charge certain treatments under the dental benefit scheme, in accordance with the terms of their agreement with my Department. When these dentists refused to furnish satisfactory explanations for their failure to comply with their agreement, their names were removed from the dental panel. A further five dentists have intimated that they propose to withdraw from the scheme next month in sympathy with their colleagues.
There are still a number of dentists operating the dental benefit scheme throughout the county. In addition a qualified insured person who requires dental treatment and who is unable to obtain such treatment in his own area may be allowed any travel or other expenses necessarily incurred in attending a dentist in a convenient local centre where he can obtain treatment under the scheme free of charge.
Any or all of these dentists in County Mayo who have been removed from the dental panel are free to apply for readmission to the scheme provided they are prepared to comply with the terms of their agreement as negotiated with the Irish Dental Association. The dentists who have intimated that they propose to withdraw their services next month are likewise free to continue participating in the scheme. I might add that I would be very pleased if these dentists would reconsider their position in the interests of the insured persons in County Mayo and resume participation in the scheme as soon as possible.