asked the Minister for Health if he is considering the provision and utilisation of mobile operating theatres.

There is no proposal before my Department from any hospital or health board for the provision of a mobile operating theatre. The country is well provided with operating theatres and I am not aware of any real need for mobile threatres.

Would the Minister undertake a feasibility study into this question?

I will consider it if I get any proposal from any of the health boards.

Surely the Minister would regard that as being very lame. After all, he is in charge of health, and passing this responsibility to the health boards for someone to come up with some idea is not taking his proper part. Could I ask him again if he or his Department would undertake a feasibility study into this question?

It was considered some time ago and was turned down, but if I get a proposal I will consider it.

Has the Minister any further information in his brief?

No.