The Minister is aware that only children attending national schools are entitled to the service but would he be prepared to change this regulation in order to provide that children who had left the national school could avail of the service?

The Deputy is raising another matter.

Children who are being treated while attending national schools can continue to have the treatment after they have gone on to secondary school.

If the staff and the facilities necessary for the carrying out of this service are not available at present, would the Minister be prepared to say that when the situation improves those children who have been assessed as being in need of orthodontic treatment will be given the same opportunities as they would have been given in normal circumstances? This is a valid point on behalf of those children.

It is a valid point, but I am afraid I could not give any definite commitment in that regard. The basic dental services are provided for all those who need them within the category defined.