Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 30 Jan 1992

Vol. 415 No. 2

Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefit.

Brian O'Shea

Ceist:

27 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social Welfare the up-to-date position regarding the panel of dentists operating the spouse's treatment benefit (dental scheme) in the Waterford area; if he will outline the measures he intends taking to improve the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. Daly)

There are at present 16 dentists in the Waterford area on the Department's dental panel. Of these, two have signed the agreement extending the dental benefit scheme to the spouses of insured persons. One of these dentists has indicated, however, that he is no longer treating dependent spouses under the scheme.

The Irish Dental Association have been advising their members to refuse to co-operate with the extension of the dental benefit scheme to the spouses of insured persons which was introduced in October 1987. Discussions with the association in an effort to resolve this dispute have been underway for some time and I hope that those discussions will lead to a settlement package acceptable to the dentists. I assure the Deputy of my determination to end this long running dispute as soon as possible and ensure a full resumption of work by dentists participating in the scheme.