asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate when, how and by whom an appointment system will be introduced in the choice of doctor scheme.

The use of an appointments system by doctors participating in the scheme is still the subject of discussions with the medical organisations. I would hope, however, that it will be possible for the Eastern Health Board, in agreement with the doctors concerned, to introduce such a system at the larger health centres in the Dublin area early in the New Year. At this stage I am not in a position to give any details.