asked the Minister for Health if he has had discussions with representatives of the health boards regarding the funding of family planning clinics around the country; if, in view of the closure of some of these clinics, he has satisfied himself that the full range of family planning services are available in these areas following their closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Officers of my Department maintain regular contact with officials of the health boards regarding the funding of family planning clinics. Some health boards have entered into local arrangements whereby they give financial support to clinics which provide services within the health board's functional area. I am aware of only one case where a family planning clinic has ceased to provide services. The clinic in question was in the Eastern Health Board region.

The Eastern Health Board are of the opinion that in every part of the board's area there are sufficient doctors providing a range of family planning services and sufficient retail chemists who stock contraceptives to meet public demand.