asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time before eligible persons can receive dental, aural or ophthalmic services.

On the basis of information supplied by health boards it is estimated that the average waiting time before eligible persons receive dental services is at present 4.5 months for children and 8.7 months for adults. In the case of ophthalmic services the waiting period are 3.5 months for children and 3.8 months for adults, while for aural services the periods are 7.9 months for children and six months for adults. However, persons in need of urgent treatment are normally provided with services on the basis of absolute priority.

The figures speak for themselves. Surely the Minister is aware that every Member of the House is getting letters every day about people who are waiting for an inordinate length of time for these services. Would the Minister give the House an assurance that he will in the near future come back to the House perhaps with a motion so as to allow us to have a discussion and perhaps have a report on real improvements in these services. They are most unsatisfactory.

I am aware that they are unsatisfactory and I will consider the Deputy's suggestion.

The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper.