asked the Minister for Social Welfare if she is satisfied that dental health treatment is equally available to both spouses in the case of most married couples; and if she will make a statement on the matter.

The treatment benefits scheme administered by my Department provides dental health care to insured persons only. I am very conscious of the position of spouses of insured workers, particularly those with family responsibilities who work in the home and who are not at present covered by the scheme.

In July 1985 the Government extended the scheme to pregnant wives of insured persons. Further extension in coverage of the scheme will be a matter for consideration in the context of the budget.

I appreciate the constraints on the Minister and the advances which have been made. Would the Minister consider the possibility of allowing either spouse to opt for inclusion in the scheme so that when a couple get married, one or other — in the event of only one insurance contribution being made — could be covered? This would mean that married men would not benefit exclusively and that women would have access to the scheme.

Obviously, the Deputy has put forward a novel idea and I will certainly consider it.