Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

On promised legislation, I received a response last week from the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, confirming that many dentists have withdrawn from the dental treatment service scheme leaving thousands of medical card holders without the essential treatment to which they are entitled. The Minister cites the legal issues that have arisen under the Competition Act 2002 which is the same Act that is underlying the difficulties with the pharmacy sector. As the Minister indicates that her officials were working with the Attorney General on the issue, can the Taoiseach advise if amending legislation on the Competition Act 2002 will address both of these issues, that is, the issue of dentist provision and the issue with the pharmacy sector, and if the Government is looking at any other legislation that can address these serious difficulties that are already impinging on the lives and health of ordinary citizens?

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