Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I did not want to divide the House on this issue because it is such a reasonable request from the Irish Dental Association. It is a no-brainer. This is an appeal for mandatory continuous professional development, which will raise standards and ensure enhanced patient safety. It would come at no cost to the State. I thought the Minister would accept the amendment because it is so reasonable. He asked for more time, which is a bit rich when we have been waiting 17 years for additional professions to be regulated under the CORU legislation. We must move on with this. The Minister has the option of delaying the commencement of this section if the Bill is passed. This does not have to happen next week. It is, however, very important that we take a decision on this point. I again appeal to the Minister to support the amendment, which I will be pressing.

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