Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I support this recommendation. The recommendation does not set out what relief should be imposed or if one should be imposed at all. It calls for the Commission on Taxation to produce a report within three months on the dental costs of families with children under 16. The report will come up with findings. The reality is that many families cannot afford this dental work. The longer it goes on without being dealt with, the more costly it becomes for families. Not only is this an issue of cost, the person who needs the work done sometimes retreats within and becomes shy or embarrassed in society or among friends. This is because of the work that cannot be done because of the extortionate cost. This should be readily and freely available in the public sector. I support this amendment and the Minister of State should not deny the right of the Government to ask the Commission on Taxation to examine this report. It does not have to be implemented if the Government does not want to but we should have a report from the commission on the cost to families of this treatment.