I propose to answer Questions Nos. 38 and 94 together.
The Eastern Health Board, in common with the other health boards enjoys a high degree of autonomy with regard to the organisation and delivery of health services, including dental services. This autonomy derives from the provisions of the 1970 Health Act.
The Eastern Health Board commissioned the report referred to by Deputy De Rossa in light of some difficulties being experienced by the health board and in light of the recommendations of the working group which I established to review the delivery of dental service.
The recommendations of the report were adopted by the Eastern Health Board and an overall strategy to implement those proposals has been developed. A number of pilot projects have begun in specific areas. The report commented on the large number of dental surgeon posts which were filled by temporary appointments. The Local Appointments Commission has organised competitions from which many of the posts have now been filled by permanent appointments. Further appointments are expected while the health board is also seeking the services on a temporary basis of a number of dental surgeons and auxiliaries to participate in the special pilot projects.