asked the Minister for Education if he is satisfied with the manner in which his Department's contribution to the Dublin Dental Hospital is used; and if he will make a statement on the present altering and re-equipping of Conservation Clinic No. 1 in that hospital.
Ceisteanna-Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Dental Hospital.
27.
Mr. R. Burke
I am satisfied with the manner in which the Board of the Dublin Dental Hospital utilises the grants-in-aid payable to it by my Department. I understand that new equipment has been installed and is now in operation in Conservation Clinic No. 1 and that the clinic will be opened by Monday next.
Arising from the Minister's statement that he is satisfied with the manner in which the work is being done, is he aware that this clinic has been closed for re-equipment and alterations since 1st October? Is he also aware that despite protests from the professor of the Department of Conservative Dentistry the work has not been done in accordance with the plans and specifications as arranged with the architect and that there has been continuing disappointment and frustration for students since 1st October? Is the Minister aware that the whole summer of 1974 was allowed to pass without students present when the work could have been done and that nothing was done and that when action was taken the installations and services and fittings were not in accordance with the plans agreed with the architect?
Mr. R. Burke
I am aware that there has been some difficulty in regard to the matter. As I have told the Deputies that the clinic will reopen on Monday next, I would take it that the resulting alterations must be to the satisfaction of those working there.
Is the Minister stating categorically that the alterations that have now been carried out in preparation for the reopening on Monday next are in line with the alterations recommended and directed to be made by the architect?
Mr. R. Burke
I have not been advised otherwise by the people responsible, the Dental Hospital Board.
Is it not true that for most of the period to which I have referred, from the beginning of May, there was no board in existence and that the board was only recently recreated in order to sanction inferior work which has now been done?
Mr. R. Burke
I could not accept that.
That is my information.