asked the Minister for Health if he has concluded his consultations with interested parties on the issue of the proposed family planning services.

12.

asked the Minister for Health if he is yet in a position to introduce the necessary measures needed to provide for a nation-wide family planning service, and to legalise the sale and distribution of contraceptives and the dissemination of information and literature on their use; and, if so, when.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.

I have concluded my consultations and hope to circulate a Bill on family planning during the present Dáil session.

Is there any use in asking the Minister whether the rumours are true that the service is likely to be confined to married couples?

That question would be premature at this stage. I trust when I bring in this Bill I will receive the congratulations of the Deputy unlike yesterday when he was less than gracious.