asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the new regulations in regard to the appointment of medical staff in the Midland Health Board region which requires them to sign a contract agreeing to work anywhere within the region; and if he has approved this contract.

I presume that the question relates to the appointment of consultant medical staff. I am not aware of any new regulations, of the kind mentioned by the Deputy. The normal provision for such posts is that the person appointed will be based at a particular hospital and that he will not be transferred from there without his consent. He may, of course, be required to attend for consultations at other hospitals and clinics in the health board's functional area.

In the case of hospitals which are not scheduled for development as major acute general hospitals under the hospital plan, it is now stated in the conditions of employment that newly-appointed consultants may be transferred to the appropriate major acute general hospital when the plan is implemented.

Is the Minister aware that the IMU have issued instructions to their members not to apply for the post in the Midland Health Board region?

I am not so aware but I will make inquiries into the matter.

It appeared in the Irish Medical Times. The Tullamore hospital will be turned into a community hospital and that is the main reason——

The Deputy seems to be imparting information rather than seeking it.

Is the Minister aware——

I have said I was not aware of the instructions the Deputy mentioned. I will inquire into the matter.

I am calling Question No. 8.

I am amazed that the Minister did not know about the instructions. Everybody else did.

Question No. 8 has been called.

I know the reason is that Tullamore hospital is being downgraded.

The Deputy is again making an assertion; he is not asking a question.