asked the Minister for Health the total number of health education officers in each of the health board areas.

There are no health education officers as such employed by health boards.

Very many of the officers employed by health boards are involved in health education in the course of their normal duties e.g., medical officers, dentists, public health nurses, health inspectors, assistance officers et cetera. Lectures on health subjects are arranged and given for local groups by such officers.

Would the Minister agree that this particular aspect of health is an important one which warrants the employment of health education officers?

That will be an extension of the health education service in general. As the Deputy knows, the service is extending, particularly through talks on TV and TV spots, lectures by the Irish Heart Foundation and the Cancer Society and propaganda by the Irish Dental Association. When finances can be provided, there will be special health education officers, but I cannot say when that will be.

Would the Minister look into the question of health education in the schools?

A great many lectures are given in the schools on various aspects of health and, in time, these will be extended.