asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state what progress has been made in the negotiations with the dental profession with a view to the resumption of dental benefits to insured persons.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will state when dental benefits will be restored to insured persons.

I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle. to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.

Following negotiations with representatives of the Irish Dental Association, proposals with a view to a resumption of dental benefits were made by me to the association on the 5th March, 1953. The association informed me on 16thMarch that these proposals would be placed before the council and the profession, and that I would be acquainted of their decision. I have not yet received this decision and, accordingly, I am unable to say when the benefit will be restored.

Would the Minister say when he hopes to receive a reply to his proposal?

I believe they are balloting on the matter. I do not think it will be long before I get a reply.

Has the Minister any idea of the way the ballot will go?