ANN HOGAN,
Madam, - It would appear that the only losers in the current dispute between the Irish Dental Association and the Department of Social and Family Affairs are the PRSI-paying employees. The dentists are charging patients full fees while the Department continue to collect PRSI payments against which no claims can be made.
The Department has advised that patients call dentists not in dispute, but its lists are hopelessly out of date and those dentists on the lists who are still in operation are so overwhelmed that the next available appointment is weeks away.
Minister Coughlan has stated that any treatment undertaken by a non-co-operating dentist during the dispute will not qualify for a refund later. As we will not get benefit from these PRSI contributions, can we reduce our payments until this dispute is settled? I'd give my eye tooth for that - oops, looks like I might have to anyway! - Yours, etc.,
ANN HOGAN,
Monastery Heath Square,
Monastery Road,
Dublin 22.