I propose to take Questions Nos. 180, 189, 191, 192, 193, 199, 201, 203, 204 and 205 together.
My Department has commenced discussions with the chief executive officer of the Eastern Health Board to review the entire organisational arrangements for orthodontic services in the Eastern Health Board area and the role of the Dublin Dental Hospital in the provision of training in orthodontics for health board staff.
I have also asked senior officials in my Department to meet with representatives of the Irish Consultants Orthodontic Group and to report back to me.
The Orthodontic Review Group set up by the chief executive officers of the health boards at the suggestion of my Department has also examined issues in relation to training in orthodontics. This group, which includes health board consultant orthodontists, is due to report to the chief executive officers in the near future.
I am concerned to ensure that the academic and training programme of both dental schools in orthodontics and other disciplines adequately reflect current and future needs of the public dental service under the health strategy and the dental health action plan. Following the developments which I have outlined I will, as necessary, consult with my colleague the Minister for Education and Science to achieve this objective.