asked the Minister for Health if any discussions have taken place between his Department and the medical schools regarding the reduction of intake of medical students.

No discussions of the nature referred to in the Deputy's question have taken place.

Will the Minister state if the Department are satisfied that the intake meets the national and international requirements? Has he considered reviewing the situation in view of the enormous cost involved in training medical students and the fact that almost two-thirds of them have to go abroad? The normal outlets have been closed recently—for instance in the case of Canada—unless the people concerned go to the developing countries.

I am aware of the problem. As the Deputy knows, it is a complex and difficult one. I agree that some attempts should be made to rationalise the overall figure for admissions but there are different schools involved and there is the question of allocating admissions between them. I am not yet sure to what body or agency the task should be entrusted.

Will the Minister tell the House if the Department have given any further consideration to the question of reducing the intake? Have the Department given any consideration to the merger of the medical schools or any rationalisation measures?

No, not in that particular context. I don't want to state categorically that the number of admissions has to be reduced. All the indications are that the number should be reduced but I should like to have this matter examined by an expert body. My problem is with regard to exactly what is the appropriate body to examine the question with a view to taking some action.