asked the Minister for Social Welfare the current estimated cost of extending optical and dental benefit to wives of insured workers; and when it is hoped to introduce such a scheme.

The estimated cost of extending the social insurance optical and dental benefit schemes to wives of insured workers is estimated to be of the order of £5.6 million a year.

Having regard to the present state of the public finances I regret that I do not have the resources to meet an extension of these schemes. I propose, however, to keep this in mind for consideration when financial circumstances improve.

Women who hold medical cards or whose husbands hold medical cards are already covered by the schemes of optical and dental benefits administered by the health boards and to this extent cases of hardship are catered for under existing arrangements.

Will the Minister confirm that this item of policy is part of the Government's programme? Will he confirm that it will not be long-fingered endlessly as it has been in recent years? Will the Minister agree that the fact that many women do without dental and optical benefits to the long term detriment of their own health cannot be allowed to continue? This proposal while it will cost money is one that must be given a priority and I should like to know if the Minister will give a firm commitment to introduce measures to deal with this in the near future.

I agree that this matter has been long-fingered for many years. That is why I said I propose to keep it in mind for consideration when financial circumstances improve. The Deputy is aware of the difficulties encountered this year in meeting all the commitments under the social welfare code. Unfortunately, it was not possible to introduce new schemes but that is not to say that the matter will be forgotten. It will not be forgotten. It will be foremost in my mind and at the earliest possible opportunity a scheme will be introduced.