Cllr John Gallahue issued a press release this week promoting cheaper dental and medical care abroad as an alternative to paying for similar work to be carried out in Ireland.

The Irish Hungarian Cultural and Business Association, of which Cllr Gallahue is secretary, was recently set up to promote links between the two countries, and one of the ways in which it hopes to market holidays in Hungary is through "medical tourism".

"Most medical procedures are between 50 and 70 per cent cheaper in Hungary. Availing of services ranging from dentistry to minor medical operations can result in considerable savings, even with airfares and hotels costs included," he said in a statement.

"The recently-formed association is planning a series of links between Limerick and Hungry to include trade in food and wine and the development of tourism with a view to marketing inexpensive medical treatments combined with holidays," said the Cathaoirleach.

He added that a friend of his was recently quoted €17,000 for dental treatment in Ireland, but got the same work done in Hungary for €9,000.