asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate with regard to each of the reports by McKinsey & Co. commissioned by his Department the total number of his staff who co-operated in the preparation of these reports.

I presume the Deputy is referring to the officers of my Department who participated in the studies on a full-time or significant part-time basis.

The following is the information: First Study: one assistant principal officer on a full-time basis. Second Study: one assistant principal officer and one medical officer on a part-time basis. Third Study: one assistant principal officer on a part-time basis.

I might add, of course, that the consultants received co-operation from officers in all areas of the health services during the studies.

Was this factor taken into consideration by the McKinsey firm in computing the cost of this report?

I do not think so. I do not think that the attribution of the salaries of this very limited number of officers would be included in the total cost. The Deputy will have to ask a question about it as I am not absolutely certain.