In view of the fact that the overwhelming majority of the local authority elected members under the health boards, even with the quota system in operation, are members of one political party, would the Minister on this occasion follow the precedent of one of his predecessors and appoint at least some of the 24 members from the different political groupings rather than as appears to be the case now, that we will have 24 members of the Fianna Fáil party appointed in the next few weeks? Would the Minister agree that that is not conducive to the rational development of any kind of health board system.

I have already had submissions to appoint a number of personnel to the health boards. I expect that I will have a lot more submissions before the date on which I make my appointments. Of course I will consider all submissions.