asked the Minister for Health if an invitation was issued to the Irish Family Planning Association to discuss proposed changes in family planning legislation; and the date on which such an invitation was issued.

: I indicated in a letter dated 30 September last to the director of administration of the association that I would arrange consultations on family planning with a wide range of interests and that his association would be included amongst the bodies to be consulted.

I met representatives of the association on 24 April.

5.

asked the Minister for Health whether, in view of the fact that the Eastern Health Board have indicated their willingness to introduce a family planning service and in the light of the advice he has now received, he intends to permit the Eastern Health Board to proceed with the introduction of such a scheme in their area of control.

: The Eastern Health Board have not agreed to introduce a family planning service. Having considered a letter from me regarding a meeting to discuss prospective legislation on family planning and contraception the board indicated that, in their view, health boards should be positively involved in the provision of advice on family planning.

The advice I have received from various organisations to date, and which I expect to receive from others, relates to the proposed legislation and does not, in any way, affect the present legal position which does not allow for a health board operating a family planning service, as such.

: Is it not a fact that under the Health Acts of 1947, 1953 and 1961 it is possible for the Minister to designate certain services to health boards? Is it not a fact that the Minister could, if he wished, designate the provision of a family planning service to the health boards? Has the Minister power under three different Acts to do so? Specifically, under the 1947 Act the Minister may by order direct every health authority in the manner in which they exercise their powers. He can direct them to provide a service for the education of mothers in respect of motherhood. That power is in the 1947 Act and I should like to know what other power the Minister needs?

: Health boards provide some services which would come within the ambit of family planning, such as advice on maternity and the treatment of infertility. According to my legal advice, a health board may provide a service for the prevention or treatment of an illness even if that service might come within what is usually called a family planning service.

6.

asked the Minister for Health the projected time still required by him to bring to a conclusion his recent consultations on the issue of the amendment of the laws on contraception.

7.

asked the Minister for Health if he intends to introduce family planning legislation during the present Dáil session.

: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.

While no time limit has been set, I expect to conclude consultations on the amendment of the law on contraception shortly. I doubt that it will be possible to introduce the family planning legislation in the present session.

: May I take it that the Minister expects to be able to introduce it in the next session?

: That would be my ambition and intention.

: We have already waited 30 years.

: Would the Minister say whether he intends introducing this legislation before Christmas?

: I have already indicated to Deputy Browne that that is my intention and ambition.