Private orthodontic fee disparity
Yates asked why private orthodontic fees were twice as high in the Republic as in Northern Ireland and sought proposals to address this. Treacy said the issue was outside the question’s scope; the exchange became acrimonious before the Chair called the next question.
Arising out of the failure to provide a State orthodontic service, can the Minister explain why private orthodontic fees in the Republic of Ireland are double those in the North of Ireland? Does he have any proposals to deal with this?
Comment on this
The matter which the Deputy has raised is outside the scope of the question. I cannot understand the reasons for this. I was not aware that such a question would be asked.
Comment on this
I am well able to answer questions with or without a script and I do not have to run to chief dental surgeons to consult them on every matter like you have to. If the Deputy wishes to throw things like that——
Comment on this
All I have to read is your predecessor, Deputy Leyden's report, which is an indictment on you and your colleagues for their failure to provide——
Comment on this
When the Opposition were in Government they suspended that scheme and provided no funding.
Comment on this
——you do not want us to improve the situation. You decry what we do and you do not want to let us do any more.
Deputy Howlin rose.