asked the Minister for Health the number of drugs and the amount of medical equipment removed by the previous Government from the list of items available free to medical cardholders which have been restored to the list by him; and when he intends to restore the remainder.

The programme for Government indicated that there would be a review of the items removed from medical card holders with a view to restoring those items which are medically necessary. The review of these items, and of the items which continue to be provided free of charge, is well under way and an announcement on this issue will be made towards the end of this month.

The remaining questions will appear on tomorrow's Order Paper.