asked the Minister for Health the number of dental posts unfilled in the public service at present; and the maximum entry age for these posts.
Written Answers. - Dental Posts.
331.
There are vacancies for three permanent senior dental surgeons and 66 permanent dental surgeons under the health boards. However, 16 temporary full-time dentists are employed by the health boards and in addition there are 57 dentists engaged on a sessional basis.
The upper age limits for persons applying for permanent posts of dental surgeon and senior dental surgeon are 55 and 45 years of age respectively. Age limits do not apply in the case of existing pensionable officers of health boards in the State. There are no upper age limits for persons seeking temporary appointments as dentists.