Mr. Fintan Hourihan:

Everyone would have an entitlement to a voucher and would physically receive one. We think it would be seen as a service that they have paid for in the case of PRSI employees and for which, in the case of medical card holders, they have an entitlement. They would be encouraged to visit their dentist. It would also have some benefits in terms of the administration of the system. Other countries have introduced these types of systems.

As regards value for money, the reason I spent so much time explaining the fact that there is no State support for dental care and that it must meet its costs fully by generating income, is because there is a perception that dental care is expensive. It is expensive all over the world. It is one of the most expensive areas of medical care and treatment. I would not accept that there are significant differences, although there can be between individuals. Very often, however, people will get a quotation in one jurisdiction and assume that it will cost the same or far more here, even though they may not necessarily have been to a dentist to get a quotation here. Even where there are differences, however, it simply reflects the cost of running a practice and the absence of State support.

We would tell people that, by all means, if they want to go abroad that is their prerogative but they should at least visit their local dentist first. From a value-for-money perspective, it is a short-sighted approach when somebody travels far away for treatment because if there are remedial or aftercare issues, they may find that it is far more expensive in the long run. We have plenty of experience of dentists close to the Border here who say that some of the fees they charge are lower than costs in Northern Ireland. That also reflects currency exchange rates. Dr. Gannon might wish to comment on this.