asked the Minister for Health the rationalisation, if any, undertaken in his Department in the past two years; and if he will give details.

Adaptations within my Department to accord with the new structure of local health administration are being effected, and my Department are also among those selected for the implementation of the recommendations of the Public Services Organisation Review Group. In fact the existing basic organisation of the health services in many respects approaches that recommended by the review group under which the central administration would be concerned with such matters as definition of policy, inauguration and development of services, efficiency studies, long-term planning of capital development, legislation and finance. The further development of the relationship of these lines between my Department and the health boards and other executive bodies is being actively pursued.

Could the Minister say if in the plans for rationalisation he has given consideration to the amalgamation of the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare?

No, I have not. That is a matter for the Government.