David Norris (Independent)

If I did not think it might be taken up as a slur, I would say that some of my best friends are dentists. I am not inimical to their making a living. I have also received some very good dental treatment in this country.

In general, I accept the Minister's point that the tests are still available to the disadvantaged but we then move into a situation where they are disadvantaged if they seek treatment. That is cruel. They are being made aware of an existing problem and then being penalised or even prevented from getting treatment. They will know there is a problem that cannot be resolved without treatment. That is an unfair, perhaps unintended, consequence of this measure.