Mr. Fintan Hourihan:

Not enough posts were sanctioned. Any time somebody leaves, he or she is not automatically replaced, whether that person retires or simply leaves. Decisions were being made pretty much on an ad hoc basis. The HSE operates within envelopes of staffing in the service locally. Ultimately, there is a lot of competition to hire dentists. Dentists in private practice are looking to hire dentists, as is the HSE. A cohort of dentists would like to work in the HSE because that is their interest. The point I made about the uncertainty about the whole future of the service is making it more difficult. If I am a young, ambitious dentist who wants to work with children or special care patients, and I think about joining the HSE, I will also be aware that there is uncertainty about the service because the current Minister is saying children should be seen in private practice. That young dentist will then be concerned, if he or she joins the HSE, about whether there will be work for him or her.