asked the Minister for Health if he will make an immediate appointment in his Department of a chief dental officer who will have the same status and standing as the chief medical officer of the Department.
Written Answers. - Dental Officer Appointment.
31.
There is a post of dental adviser in the Department which has been vacant since October, 1975. I am most anxious to have an appointment made as soon as possible. Unfortunately the filling of the post is held up because of a difference of opinion as to the level of remuneration which the post should attract. In an effort to resolve the matter I have already offered to have an independent adjudication on this issue by the Review Body on Higher Remuneration in the Public Sector but the Irish Dental Association have not accepted this offer. I have arranged further discussions between the association and officers of my Department for next Monday, 30th May, with a view to reaching a settlement.