asked the Minister for Education if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Dublin VEC has withdrawn funding from the final year dental technician's course, while students are being taken on at first year elsewhere; the way in which she expects dental technicians to complete their course, in these circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Dental Technicians' Course Funding.
113.
I am aware that the College of Technology, Kevin Street, in consultation with the City of Dublin VEC decided, in the light of financial circumstances and because of the very small numbers of students in the class groups concerned, that the course for dental craft apprentices would be discontinued as and from the 1987-88 session. The particular City and Guilds examination for which the course is designed is, in any event, scheduled to be phased out with the last intermediate examination being held in 1988 and the last final examination being held in 1990. I understand from the College, however, that provision is being made to allow existing apprentices to complete the course in question.
Cork Dental Hospital also provide a course for first year dental craft apprentices.
The Dentists Act 1985 provides that the Dental Council may establish classes of auxiliary dental workers and determine the training and qualifications necessary to become a member of any particular class of auxiliary dental worker. I am advised that the council are at present considering the determination of training requirements prior to establishing a class of dental technicians.