The Health Service Executive (HSE) is appealing to the Supreme Court against a High Court decision granting two dentists injunctions restraining the HSE from cutting back on the scheme for free dental treatment for medical card holders. The injunctions were granted pending the outcome of a full court action.
Earlier this week, Ms Justice Mary Laffoy granted dentists Martin Reid and James Turner injunctions restraining the HSE from giving effect in their cases to a circular of April 26th last issued by the HSE’s Primary Care Reimbursement Service which resulted in changes to the Dental Treatment Service Scheme.
Yesterday, Mark Connaughton, for the HSE, informed the judge his clients intend to appeal her decision to the Supreme Court.
Counsel said the HSE had received a letter from the Irish Dental Association stating many other dentists who provided treatment under the scheme intended to seek similar orders restraining the HSE.
The full action will be heard in the new legal term in early October.