Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 233: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the details of the new arrangements for the regulation of dental technicians; the qualifications and criteria required in order to operate such a business; the steps that existing people working in this area must take in order to comply with the new regulations; the arrangement in place to facilitate such qualifications; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3398/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In July 2008, I gave my consent to the establishment of a scheme for Clinical Dental Technicians submitted to me by the Dental Council. I am pleased to note that there are six Clinical Dental Technicians on the register held by the Dental Council.

The qualifications recognised by the Dental Council are set out in the scheme and include qualifications awarded by certain approved academic institutions in Ireland. The Dental Council may also recognise other qualifications which they deem to be of an equivalent standard.

Those who are currently working in this area and wish to secure registration as a Clinical Dental Technician should obtain these or other such suitable qualifications that may be recognised by the Dental Council. My Department is aware that both of the organisations representing dental technicians in Ireland are currently investigating options for education courses to enable their members to obtain registration.