asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the future of the Hospital Joint Services Board.

It is my objective to maintain and, if possible, expand the laundry and sterile services currently provided by the Hospital Joint Services Board in order to realise their full potential and put the future operations of the board on a firm financial footing.

The board have, with my agreement, appointed independent advisers to identify and examine all options concerning the future of the services. I will fully and carefully consider the recommendations the board will make to me, when they have received the consultant's report. I would emphasise that the objective is to find the best means of maintaining the service on a viable basis.