447 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has appointed a chairperson to the primary care task force which was supposed to commence its work in January 2002; the reason he is delaying the appointing of members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9428/02]

I am currently in the process of appointing the members of the primary care task force. There has been delay in arranging for the release of the members to serve on the task force. As I have said previously, I am confident that the task force will make up any delay as its work commences.