Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

We must make decisions and bridge the deficit, as Sinn Féin has acknowledged and has shown how it can be done. Sinn Féin acknowledges that PRSI contributions will be in deficit next year. That is one of the reasons we proposed the removal of the ceiling on PRSI contributions, bringing in €119 million. I know the Minister was uncomfortable listening to my earlier contribution but this is about the decisions we take. Whether they availed of it last year, 2 million people can avail of the scheme but the Government has decided to hurt them a wee bit more. In some cases the pain will be real because people cannot avail of treatment due to the poverty trap. This cut can be put in the context of many other cuts and some people will feel they cannot pay for dental treatment. The Minister refers to this reducing the cost of dentists. If costs could come down, we would all welcome it because they are quite high. Dentists operate businesses and must remain in business but it would be welcome if they could become more competitive. Let us not cloud the issue. There is no way on this wild earth that by introducing this scheme, 2 million people will somehow have cheaper dental care. There is no doubt that as a result of this section of the Bill, 2 million people will have an increased contribution to pay in regard to dental treatment and optical treatment. Let us be clear that it is not the purpose of the Bill to create competition; it is to save the State money because the Government has decided not to take other decisions and to let the impact fall on those who need this type of treatment. That is the reason I oppose the Bill.