Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. We are aware there is an issue in Wexford, and indeed in many parts of the country, where more and more private dentists have withdrawn from the public scheme. Through the budget for this year and next we are significantly increasing the funding. It includes an increase in fees for dentists. We are engaged with the IDA. What it is looking for and what we have agreed to is a discussion about the entire scheme and the entire provision. The additional funding we are putting in is aimed at helping in the short term but it is not a long-term fix. A more comprehensive approach is required and is something we will be kicking off next year with the IDA.

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