Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Question 207: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on representations from a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15 concerning the difficulties faced by fully qualified dentists from the Ukraine and other non-EU countries resident here who seek permission to practice as dentists in this State. [16157/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the Dentists Act, 1985, the Dental Council was established as the body responsible for the registration of dentists and for the regulation of their activities. In order to practise as a dentist it is necessary for an individual to register with the Dental Council. Under the terms of Directive 78/686/EEC and other relevant agreements, EEA nationals who hold a scheduled dental qualification are entitled to register and practise in Ireland. These qualifications have been set down after considerable negotiation and are intended to ensure patient safety remains at the forefront in the practise of dentistry, while allowing for movement of professionals between Member States.

Persons who hold non-EEA qualifications do not have an automatic entitlement to be recognised for entry on the Irish Register of Dentists. However, the Dental Council facilitates such persons by holding an annual examination for dentists from outside the EEA who wish to practise their profession in Ireland. Success in this examination confers entitlement to registration in the Register of Dentists.