asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, his Department are taking to ensure the provision of a medical officer for Inishbofin, County Galway.

The provision of health services on Inishbofin is a matter for the Western Health Board. At present the island is served by a medical officer who is resident in Clifden. I have recently received a petition signed by the residents of Inishbofin requesting the appointment of a resident doctor. This petition is under consideration at present.