asked the Minister for Health whether the impediment against the employment of married female doctors on a permanent basis in the public service still continues in force; and whether removal of this impediment is under consideration.

It is presumed the question relates to the employment of married female doctors as permanent officers of health boards.

The restrictions on the employment of married women as permanent officers of health boards have not yet been ended. I am making inquiries as to the possibility of ending the marriage bar in the health services in advance of other sectors of the public service, for some of which legislation for the change would be required, without creating serious difficulties for those other sectors. I hope that these inquiries will soon be completed.