Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

First, the scheme has not been abolished. The scheme is still in existence and, while it is more limited, it does offer the examination. People always had to pay towards their fillings and extractions. It was only a grant that was paid. The only treatment they got free was the examination and two scales and two polishes per annum. If people wanted an extraction or filling, they always had to pay something and they will still have to pay. The challenge is for the dentist not to be ripping them off completely. Hopefully, that will happen.

With regard to Senator Buttimer's point, again, the dentist gets approval from the Department in advance. Normally, it is given immediately on the telephone.