asked the Minister for Health if the benefits outlined in his Department's Summary of Health Services. are not being allowed by the Southern Health Board in certain circumstances, (details supplied) and if he will take immediate steps to have all such benefits made fully available.

I am not aware of any failure by the Southern Health Board in providing the approved health services.

I have not completed my inquiries from the health board regarding the particular case referred to by the Deputy but I expect to do so shortly and I will then write to the Deputy regarding the position.

Will the Minister accept that when there are details of medical services available—as was stated in his own booklet—the services in question should be provided by the health boards for people in the areas concerned?

The Deputy is speaking of a specific case. I agree that health board services should be available but the details of the specific case indicate that there is a considerable capital sum involved and it is a question of having the matter investigated thoroughly. I shall get in touch with Deputy when we have the information.