Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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2297.To ask the Minister for Health if he will progress amendments to the Dentists Act 1985, which an organisation has urgently requested (details supplied); if so, the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32329/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Health is committed to reviewing the Dentists Act 1985. The review and updating of the legislation also, necessarily, is directly related to the wider implementation of the National Oral Health Policy, which envisages a fundamental reform of oral health services. As such, any new legislation will also be informed by this work. An implementation plan for the 2024-2026 phase of rollout of the NOHP is being drafted by my Department and the HSE, for consultation and subsequent publication in the third quarter of this year.

The Minister met with the Dental Council on the 15^thof January to discuss the regulatory powers available to them under The Dentists Act 1985, and the potential advancement of interim amendments. A priority for 2024 is to consider the development of a small number of interim enhancements to the Dentist Act in areas identified as a priority by the Dental Council and to proceed with these amendments where appropriate. This will include providing a statutory basis for the Dental Council to develop a scheme for Continuous Professional Development for registered dentists in line with those provided for other regulated health professionals.

A series of thematic engagements between the Department and the Dental Council are underway to inform the development of a fundamental legislative reform programme and any legislative change will ultimately be a decision for the Oireachtas.