asked the Minister for Social Welfare when dental benefits will be available again to insured persons; and if he is aware of the hardships arising from the unnecessary delay in resuming this benefit.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state whether he is aware of the fact that difficulties have arisen in the provision of dental treatment for members of the National Health Insurance Society; and if he will state when it is proposed to resume this treatment for insured contributors.

With your permission, a Chinn Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 18 and 19 together.

The Additional Benefits Scheme approved by me under the National Health Insurance Acts in April last authorities expenditure by the National Health Insurance Society on dental benefit within a limit of £131,000 a year. I understand that the delay in bringing the dental portion of the additional benefits scheme into operation is due to the inability of the society and the dental associations to reach agreement as to fees but that negotiations are proceeding and that, if mutually satisfactory arrangements can be made as a result of the negotiations, the benefit can be made available without delay.

Is this not the position, that for the past seven years there have been no dental benefits? People have had their dental benefits withdrawn and their teeth have been rotting for the past seven years.

No, that is not true. Dental benefits were in operation up to the beginning of this financial year.

Is the Minister aware that dental benefits have not been available to insured contributors since 1st April last?

Yes, I am aware of that.

Will the Minister use his good offices in an endeavour to have this dispute brought to a satisfactory conclusion so that benefits may again be available for insured contributors? This is a potent factor in relation to claims for national health insurance benefit.

I realise all that.

Will the Minister do something about it?

Yes, provided both sides are reasonable.