Instead, it has only reinforced the sense that the State is trapped in an absurd loop of its own making. Yet even as the terms of his release were being discussed, Mr Burke repeatedly told the court he intended to go back to the school. The fact that events have unfolded exactly as Mr Burke foretold only further amplifies the absurdity. The judge was explicit that the decision was taken in the interests of justice, to allow Mr Burke to prepare his case. The Irish Dental Association’s warning that the public dental service is in a state of crisis should not be dismissed as sectoral pleading.

Source: Irish Examiner January 16, 2026 01:20 UTC