asked the Minister for Health if any Irish firm has been asked to tender for the installation of laboratory computerised systems in Irish hospitals; if not, the reason; and if the normal regulations for public purchasing in this instance have been followed.

I must explain that what was being sought for Irish hospitals was an integrated system, one which would administer the different areas of a hospital, viz patient recording, pharmacy, x-ray, laboratory, catering and so on. It must be made quite clear that the product in question is simply not made in Ireland. There is no question of being able to buy it from an Irish company, other than as agents.

Requests for such integrated hospital systems went out to some 35 suppliers who were active here in the supply of computer hardware and software. The chosen product provides an administrative system for all areas of a hospital and is supplied by an American company through its Irish subsidiary.

I am satisfied that the normal regulations for public purchasing have been followed in this instance.

Will the Minister accept that there was a lot of criticism at the time of the type of equipment purchased by the Department by a professor in one of our universities who is involved in that field? Will the Minister comment on that?

In relation to such a major policy decision I would stress that on the closest investigation by me I am satisfied that this was carried out in an impeccable manner within my Department, such as the seeking of submissions, and then the working group deciding on the best facility. I hold the view that on examination by me of the criticism the bulk of it was not without self-interest.