asked the Minister for Health if he has completed his examination of the question of establishing a national registration council for social workers; and, if so, the result of such examination.

: My Department are still engaged in discussions on this matter with the professional and educational interests involved.

: Is the Minister aware that he gave an almost identical reply on 13 October last as reported in column 450, Volume 300 of the Official Report?

: Yes, and I may have to give the same reply again in 12 months. This is a very difficult and complex area and one in which it is not possible to make very rapid progress. Again an innovation, I have arranged for consultation procedures between this profession and my two Departments.

: Is the Minister aware that the social workers have themselves called for the setting up of a national registration council?

: No, I am not so aware and that is not the position. The social workers recognise the difficulties involved in this and they are not anxious that it be pursued with any injudicious haste.

: I draw the Minister's attention to statements made on their behalf in the autumn of last year.

: I have discussed it with them and I know exactly what they think about this. They are just as aware as I am of the difficulties and complications involved and they are very anxious that it proceed cautiously and wisely.

: Is the Minister not impressed by the arguments in favour of the setting up of the council?

: I am very much in favour of the setting up of an Irish organisation but I want it done properly and with due caution, wisdom and recognition of all the difficulties involved.

: It will be in 1979 or 1980.

36.

asked the Minister for Health if he has completed his examination of the question of better liasion between social workers and his Department, and in other areas; and, if so, the result of such examination.

: Following my discussion last October with representatives of social workers, arrangements have been instituted to have regular consultation between the social workers' professional organisation and the Department of Health and Social Welfare on policy issues relating to their work. I have also asked health boards to ensure that appropriate consultation arrangements exist at local level.