Mr. Fintan Hourihan:

It is important to distinguish between the HSE and the Department of Health. This is a Department of Health policy. As the Deputy alluded to, we have plenty of experience engaging with the HSE. For all that it can be difficult at times, there is a structure and basis to it. I am not directing any of this comment to the HSE but to the Department because it is the Department's document. We have not been shy about highlighting the effect of the cuts introduced in 2009. Perhaps people did not want us to continue to point out the difficulties for patients. We have commissioned countless articles and research, which is published in our journal. Perhaps it was simply the fact that we are not shy about highlighting the difficulties. Oral health has traditionally been the Cinderella within the broader health system. I previously worked for the Irish Medical Organisation. I commend it on its efforts.

There could be patients going to see a doctor in general practice and a dentist in general practice. I know the Chairman is a doctor in general practice. There is substantial funding for it. Prior to the most recent negotiations, the Department of Finance estimated that grants, allowances and supports to doctors in general practice are approximately €135 million a year, while there is nothing for dentistry. Dentists have had a sanguine view of the interest of successive Governments in oral health. We do not shy away from highlighting the impact on patients of not supporting oral health. It is perhaps because we are as vocal as we are that we were not brought into the fold. In our defence, we have a track record of innovation. Ironically, when the current Taoiseach was the Minister for Social Protection, we negotiated, to our mutual satisfaction, changes to the dental benefit scheme. We have been involved in innovation such as the establishment of a dental complaints resolution service, which is recognised as a model of its type. We have been involved in advocacy with the annual mouth cancer awareness initiative, without support from the State or the HSE. We have a track record of innovation and speaking out for oral health. If that is why we are being punished, that is the only explanation I can offer.