James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if a person (details supplied) in County Longford will be facilitated with the retirement package offered by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45083/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has quantified the number of auxiliary dental workers operating here as referred to in the Dentists Act 1985; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45099/10]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the efforts made by the Dental Council since 1985 to provide courses for auxiliary dental workers in order to facilitate their recognition within the profession; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45100/10]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she considers recent efforts by a college (details supplied) at the behest of the Dental Council to provide for a part-time course for auxiliary dental workers as fair and adequate given the fact that most of these auxiliary dental workers are self-employed and cannot attend a course for three days a week over 18 months; the discussions she has had with the Dental Council on this matter; if she will insist on regional courses provided at weekends or by night to facilitate maximum participation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45101/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 182 to 184, inclusive, together.

At present there are 401 dental hygienists, 596 dental nurses and 16 Clinical Dental Technicians registered with the Dental Council. The Dental Council's role with regard to education and training of auxiliary dental workers is in determining the standards necessary for registration rather than providing courses. The Dental Council has approved courses for Dental Hygienists, Dental Nurses and Clinical Dental Technicians. I welcome the proposed introduction of the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology by the Dublin Dental School and Hospital (DDSH). While my Department has had discussions with the Dental Council regarding this course, the timing and location of the course is a matter for the DDSH.