Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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1601. To ask the Minister for Health if he plans to publish legislation amending or replacing the Dentists’ Act 1985; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14813/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Work on developing new legislation to replace the Dentists Act 1985 is at the early stages of preparation in my Department.  The Deputy will be aware that the Dentists Act has been recently amended by the Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Act 2020, which was signed into law last October.  This large and complex Act which has been several years in development amends the legislation governing the regulation of dentists, doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists and a range of other health and social care professionals.  It introduces provisions which involve a very significant body of work for each of the health regulators, including the Dental Council, as changes are being introduced across complex areas such as registration and fitness to practice.  The commencement of this Act is a priority and is being actively progressed by my officials in liaison with each of the regulators, including the Dental Council. Work on the modernisation of the Dentists Act in its entirety will progress once the Regulated Professions Act has been fully commenced.