Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

My final question concerns a very important issue that was brought to my attention yesterday relating to dentists and the provision of PPE. The witnesses may not have the necessary information to answer it but I will put it to them. A dental practice in County Louth has sent a text to all its medical card patients informing them that, from receipt of that text, it will no longer provide them with dental care. It has caused absolute panic among a number of the people who got that text and who communicated their worry to me.

People who have long-term chronic illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, cancer - and there is a disease called Elhers-Danlos syndrome - are extremely worried. I have been informed that they cannot get any other appointment with this dentist who is cutting them off immediately even though they are obliged to provide them with three months service after they terminate their contract. Is that not a serious crisis and is it happening elsewhere? The Dental Council of Ireland is investigating that this morning, and I welcome that, but it is unacceptable that any professional dentist would refuse to treat public patients because of the cost of personal protective equipment, PPE, or any possible dispute they are having with the HSE or the Department of Health. This has to be stopped immediately. People are entitled to be treated as human beings. I absolutely reject the treatment this dentist is meting out to medical card holders. It is arbitrary, unacceptable, entirely unprofessional and a disgrace.