Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I questioned the Minister earlier in the context of the Irish Dental Association study. She speaks about competition. My concern is that, from talking to those involved in dental practices, I am genuinely concerned that this will lead to a loss of people providing the service. I appreciate that the Minister claims it is not gone, which I understand. However, the nature of the changes in the Bill will act as a deterrent. Even for my simple request, I was confused until minutes ago when the Minister told me the request could be made by telephone.

The Government and patients will end up paying €3 for every €1 spent on the PRSI scheme. It will lead to a loss of revenue, redundancies and to hospital care for dental treatment. As other speakers have said, it will contribute to a decline in oral hygiene. While I am not flying a flag for dentists, this scheme should not be touched. We need to allow people to go to their dentists, to make their contribution and get the rebate. The Minister has made the changes in the Bill. It is an attack on a vital service, which is a thread running through the budget, which is unfair. That is the fundamental point.