Dentists have accused the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Coughlan, of having no interest in resolving a 10-month dispute over dental fees.
This follows a claim by a Fine Gael TD, Mr Michael Ring, that the Government is allowing the dispute to continue because it is saving money.
However, the Department of Social and Family Affairs has rejected both claims and appealed to the Irish Dental Association (IDA) to return to negotiations.
The dispute began last March. Since August, PRSI patients have had to pay the full charge for dental treatments if they attend any of the dentists involved in the row.
Previously, the Department would have funded part, or all, of the cost of certain treatments. About 90 per cent of dentists are in dispute with the Department.
A check-up and polishing, which would have been free under the scheme, could now cost in the region of €65 as a result of the dispute.
The Irish Dental Association (IDA) said yesterday that the Department was saving about €4 million a month as a result of the dispute.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Social and Family Affairs rejected this, saying patients were still benefiting from their PRSI contributions by using dentists not involved in the dispute.
She pointed out that the Department's expenditure on the dental treatment benefits scheme remained the same - €35 million in 2001 and €35.1 million last year.
Ms Coughlan has encouraged patients to use dentists not involved in the dispute. Her Department provides names of such dentists on a lo-call number (1890 400 400 - extension 2280).
Mr Donal Atkins, IDA secretary, said the Minister's inaction was denying 1.7 million insured workers of their right to dental treatment benefit from their choice of dentist.
"It's a disgrace. People are paying their premiums but they are not allowed to benefit from it. In fact, they are paying twice for the service."
He said the dispute would affect people's dental health as they were postponing treatments until the row ended. Check-ups were being cancelled so possible problems were not being identified and preventative action was not being taken.
He said there had been no progress on the dispute in recent months, although it is understood that unofficial contacts have continued between both parties.
The Department of Social and Family Affairs spokeswoman said the Department was always ready to meet the IDA and would organise a meeting at short notice, if necessary.
