asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the amount and type of treatment used in the dental clinic at St. Fintan's Hospital, Portlaoise, County Laois in respect of extractions, fillings, preventative treatments and so on, in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I have indicated on a number of occasions that I am not satisfied with the amount of dental treatment available for health board patients. This applies as much to patients in St. Fintan's Hospital, Portlaoise, as to patients in the remainder of the country.

A review aimed at a comprehensive development plan for dental services is already under way. Attention will be paid in this review to the needs of hospital in-patients who are inadequately catered for at present. I understand that the Midland Health Board are improving the accommodation and equipment in St. Fintan's.