A meeting aimed at resolving a long-running dispute between dentists and the Department of Social and Family Affairs over the cost of providing free or discounted treatment to PRSI workers will take place next Tuesday.
The Irish Dental Association wrote to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Coughlan, a week ago seeking a meeting with her in an attempt to resolve the impasse.
The Minister has indicated the meeting will take place early next week. "I now propose meeting the association early next week to establish a review of the dental scheme - and to set a reporting timescale for the group," she said.
While the Dental Association has already rejected the idea of an independent review, it agreed to attend the meeting. Its secretary general, Mr Donal Atkins, said he was satisfied an early solution capable of meeting both sides' needs was possible.
Since last August, a majority of dentists have withdrawn from the scheme under which free dental treatment is provided to 1.7 million PRSI paying workers. There are some 2,000 dentists registered in the State and, despite the withdrawal, the Department claims up to 500 dentists are still co-operating with the scheme. The Dental Association says the number co-operating is far lower.