asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies which exist for the post of permanent dental surgeon with the health boards.

There are 60 vacancies for permanent whole-time dental surgeons under the health boards. However, 18 temporary whole-time dental surgeons are employed by the health boards and in addition there are 47 dentists engaged on a part-time or sessional basis.

Can the Minister say if he is taking any steps to have those vacancies filled especially in light of complaints from existing dentists about the wage structure and promotional opportunities?

We have, as I think I told the Deputy yesterday, 28 appointments advertised by the Local Appointments Commission at present.

But there are 60 vacancies.

We shall see what comes up out of that.

Does the Minister not appreciate that this situation will only become worse unless attention is paid to the real problems which are promotional opportunities and the amount of wages paid?

I take the point.