I propose to take Questions Nos. 82 and 395 together.
The 1990 allocation of £1.3 million to the Health Research Board is the same as in 1989 and adequate to enable the board to maintain its research programme.
Because of the importance I attach to medical research I am also pursuing, with my colleague the Minister for Science and Technology, the possibility of additional resources being made available from the European Community and ways in which the programme of the Health Research Board might benefit from association with the science and technology programme. I would also remind Deputies that there is a substantial additional investment in research as part of the on-going delivery of health services.
The board have elected a new chairman. My Department will continue to work with the board on the implementation of its programme. I will be in touch with the board in the near future regarding their corporate plan for the years ahead.