Dental Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

Ceisteanna (1177)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

1177. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 498 of 9 July 2019, if the Dental Council received a formal complaint from a member of the public in November 2015 claiming that a named, unqualified person had performed dental treatment on them; if it received such a complaint, if the matter was referred to An Garda Síochána; if it received such a complaint and did not refer the matter to An Garda Síochána, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31942/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I am informed that the Dental Council decides, based on the facts of each case, whether to deal with disciplinary matters under the Dentists Act 1985 or to take other action, including referring matters to the Gardaí. The Dental Council takes allegations of illegal practice seriously and has indicated that it will take the appropriate steps where there is sufficient evidence.

The Dental Council advises that it would be inappropriate to reveal its decision making process regarding any individual case.