Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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664. To ask the Minister for Health the status of an application to the Dental Council (details supplied); the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6802/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I have consulted with the Dental Council on this matter. The Council have advised that the person in question has not yet made direct contact with the Dental Council. While the Dental Council does offer periods of adaption to applicants that don’t currently meet the necessary professional language competency standards, it is necessary for practical and for safety reasons to have sufficient English language ability to effectively engage with the registration process.

The Council also advises that an update on this matter has been provided directly to the Deputy.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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665. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1515 of 18 January 2023, the additional steps being taken to address significant delays in processing applications by Ukrainian dentists to the Dental Council; if further staff have been provided to deal with this backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6803/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Dental Council has advised that it is continuing to accept and to process applications from dentists who have been granted either temporary or permanent protection by the State, via a new assessment process that the Council has developed and put in place for such cases.

These complex cases are being managed by experienced registration officers, who continue to assess and manage the information gaps that are arising in many of these applications in a way that is fair while still protecting public safety.

The Dental Council and my Department continue to review the situation, and additional staff will be assigned within the Dental Council should this become necessary.