asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the situation obtaining in the Dublin Dental Hospital is causing widespread hardship and inconvenience; and if he will take immediate steps to have full services to the general public restored.

I am aware of the problems associated with the dispute in the Dublin Dental Hospital, but I would not accept that these are causing widespread hardship and inconvenience.

Some treatment services have been affected. These are provided primarily in the context of student training and consequently the action open to me is limited.

I am giving every assistance, within my powers, to the appropriate authorities in their efforts to solve the dispute.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it is a matter of grave concern to the dental students who are due to do their finals, and to their parents, many of whom are under considerable financial strain, that these students may not be able to do their finals because of the situation in the dental hospital? Is he aware that this may result in the students having to do an extra six months in the dental hospital?

The matters the Deputy referred to are primarily for the Department of Education. The Deputy should refer them to that Department.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary indicate which Minister has ministerial responsibility for the installation of a career structure for the staff of this hospital?

I understand that this is a matter which is dealt with between the Departments of Health and Education. The Department of Health are involved as far as the treatment of the patients in the dental hospital is concerned. The Department of Education are concerned with the training of the students in that hospital.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the reason why students' careers are being interfered with and the general public discommoded is that of an inability, or an unwillingness, on the part of the Government, whichever Minister may be responsible, to provide a simple career structure for the staff of the hospital? Is he aware that that is the cause of all the difficulty? This matter has been outstanding for three or four years and I should like some Minister, or the Taoiseach, to intervene.

Is this not outstanding for ten years or so?

I would not think so. A report by a committee set up to examine the matter was submitted in 1973 and no action has been taken on it since.

The Minister did not get it yet.

Somebody must take action on it.

This is going on for years.

It is going on since 1973 when the Minister assumed office.

The Parliamentary Secretary has stated that the situation in the dental hospital is not causing widespread hardship and I should like to know if he has met any of the students who are due to do their final examination this year? If he has, would the Parliamentary Secretary tell the House the result of that meeting?

The concern of the Department of Health, the Minister and myself, is with regard to the patients treated in the hospital. There is no undue hardship being ereated with regard to the treatment of the patients there.