asked the Minister for Health the housing and sanitary services provided by health boards staff in relation to health aspects of certain services provided by local authorities; if he is satisfied with the arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Directors of community care and medical officers of health of health boards may perform duties on an agency basis for local authorities in connection with the administration of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Acts, 1878 to 1962, the Factories Act, 1955, the Milk and Dairies Acts, 1935 to 1956, the Slaughter of Animals Acts, 1935 to 1956, the Housing Acts, 1966 to 1970, and the Diseases of Animals Act, 1966.

Environmental health officers of health boards frequently carry out environmental work on an agency basis for local authorities also. Their basic duties are in respect of services for which the health boards are responsible. There are certain advantages in their dual function from the point of view of the coordination of public health activities at local levels. I am satisfied with these arrangements provided adequate time is available for achievement of work targets in respect of the health boards' own responsibilities. I have asked the health boards to review the work arrangements for environmental health officers in this respect.

Would it not be more appropriate if some of these Acts, particularly those related exclusively to health like the Dairies Acts and the disease eradication schemes, were administered more directly by the health boards rather than on an agency basis through the local authorities?

On balance I agree. I have been examining the matter and I am prepared to look at it again. A number of questions have been raised in the House, particularly by Deputy Leonard, and I am prepared to accept that there should be a deeper examination of the position.