asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the pressure on casualty departments in hospitals, he will consider initiating an awareness campaign to encourage people with minor complaints to go to their local GP, rather than using the casualty departments.

: I am aware of the position referred to by the Deputy but the practice of attending casualty departments is long standing, particularly in the larger urban areas, and it could be difficult to bring about a change. However, I will have the matter considered in my Department.