DONAL St A. ATKINS,
Madam, - I refer to the letter from Veronica Scanlan, press officer of the Department of Social and Family Affairs (December 9th). While I recognise that "spin" is, regrettably, a weapon of politics and indeed of press officers, your readers are entitled to facts.
The Department's dental scheme does not operate on a scale of fees only - 12 of 28 treatments are based on "open-ended" top-up fees dependent on the complexity and variance of treatment and on the time taken. This is the official Department's methodology of patients' payment for these treatments The market finds its own level and this system works well.
The Department has not "made every effort to settle this dispute". Only after 2½ years had passed since the notice of claim was lodged the Department made its first proposal - to allow a top-up charge on one more treatment item, scale and polish - the only preventive treatment available and therefore the one which patients should be encouraged to have.
Mr Scanlon correctly points out that "on 10th October the IDA recommended members to return to operating the scheme", but omits to mention that this was based on the Department's assurances, at the previous day's negotiations, that they were in a position "to meet both sides needs" at the next meeting which would finalise arrangements".
Ms Scanlon appears to be unaware that the contract with her Department rightly demands that PRSI insured workers receive the same treatment as that received by private patients. This is no longer possible at the level of payment made by the Department in return of the insurance premium made by PRSI workers contributions.
Finally Ms Scanlon needs to confer only briefly with any one of her Department colleagues involved in this matter to know that I do not merely "purport" to be concerned about the impact of this dispute on insured workers. I am so concerned. No doubt so also are the 1.7 million patients who continue to pay their contributions. - Yours, etc.,
DONAL St A. ATKINS,
Secretary General,
Irish Dental Association,
Dublin 14.