Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On the dentists Bill, a consultative process was launched to lead to the development of a national oral health policy. This new policy is to involve a comprehensive review of service delivery, manpower planning and training and the regulation of the dental profession in Ireland. It will make wide-ranging recommendations on oral health policy for the next ten years. It was originally envisaged that the policy would be finalised by the middle of this year, but the timeline has been extended, at least to the end of the year, given the complexity and range of issues involved and to facilitate the widest possible consultation with the various stakeholders. It is envisaged that the policy will make clear recommendations on the need for a new regulatory regime for the profession in Ireland, the establishment of a new dental council and the development of a new dentists Bill to give effect to these changes. For these reasons, the dental Bill will not be taken until that policy input is assessed and agreed.

There is no legislation required for the ratification of the public service pay agreement. The transitional agreement agreed last month in draft form is being put and considered by the stakeholders. We hope it will be put to a vote with a recommendation of acceptance.

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