asked the Minister for Health if his Department's central administration includes a number of central advisory bodies; if he will provide a list indicating the cost of each, their purpose and staffing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Departmental Advisory Bodies.
94.
There is a number of bodies under the aegis of my Department whose functions are solely advisory. The secretariat for the majority of these bodies is provided by staff from my Department. It is not possible, therefore, to give an accurate figure for the cost of each of these bodies as a proportion of their costs is included in the central administration allocation of my Department. The National Council for the Aged have their own secretariat and are financed by a separate budget. In 1986, this amounted to £104,000. The staffing complement of the Council is three. The remaining information requested by the Deputy is as follows:
|
Advisory Body |
Function |
|
Comhairle na Nimheanna |
to advise the Minister on the control of poisons. |
|
Food Advisory Committee |
to advise the Minister on food standards. |
|
National Council for the Aged |
to advise the Minister on all aspects of the welfare of the aged. |
|
National Health Council |
to advise the Minister on such general matters affecting or incidental to the health of the people as may be referred to it. |
|
Therapeutic Substances Advisory Committee |
to advise the Minister on the control of therapeutic substances. |