asked the Minister for Health if there has been any outcome to the discussion on the possibility of having a uniform method of payment for consultants within the present system of the health services.

The working party which is examining the possibility of introducing a common contract and a common selection procedure for hospital consultants is continuing its discussions and I expect a report this summer.

Can the Minister say when he last gave a similar reply to the Dáil?

Question No. 26, Minister, please.

I have no hesitation in telling the Deputy exactly what is happening.

Another working party.

The group consisting of my Department, the health boards, the voluntary hospitals and the medical profession have been meeting regularly and consistently over a period of about six months——

Congratulations.

——to produce a common contract for consultants. Very considerable progress has been made. I have already indicated to the House—there is no secrecy about it— that I hoped and the medical organisations hoped we would have had a common contract agreed by 31 March; I think that was the date. That has not been possible.

I think the Minister is endeavouring badly to answer the next question.

I think the Minister answered Question No. 27.

We are on Question No. 26. The same supplementaries apply.

Will the Deputy keep quiet, please?

I have been dealing with Question No. 27.

The Ceann Comhairle called Question No. 26.

Do you wish me to take Question No. 26?

Yes, please.