asked the Minister for Social Welfare if insured persons who reach the age of 67 years and who qualify for an old age contributory pension may preserve their rights under the Social Welfare Acts for optical and dental benefits; and whether they are required to be insured for the pay-related scheme if they continue in employment.

An insured person who satisfies the contribution conditions for optical and dental benefits under my Department's scheme on the date on which he reaches pensionable age retains his entitlement to those benefits throughout his lifetime.

As regards the second part of the Deputy's question, the pay-related benefit scheme does not apply to persons who have reached pensionable age.