Labour calls for mediation in dental dispute

The Labour Party has called for an arbitrator to be appointed to mediate in the dispute between the Government and the Irish Dentists Association.

The dentists are refusing to operate the PRSI-related dental benefit scheme and Labour said the Government is deliberately prolonging the dispute because it is saving around €4m a month in pay-outs.

Party spokesman Willie Penrose also accused the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs of ignoring PRSI workers who have paid for their dental treatment, but cannot avail of it because of the dispute.