Vol. 457 No. 8
93 Ms O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health when he plans to appoint a new Board of Comhairle na nOspidéal to replace that which has been out of office for the past three months; the plans, if any, he has to reform the functions of the Comhairle or to improve its geographical representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16495/95]
Limerick East): I requested nominations of suitable persons who would be prepared to serve on Comhairle na nOspidéal from a range of representative bodies on 28 July 1995. As a result, I received a total of thirty-two responses recommending the appointment of a very considerable number of people to the new comhairle.
As the Deputy will appreciate, given its functions, it is vital that the comhairle membership should include the best possible balance of relevant knowledge and experience combined with other criteria such as geographical and gender balance. The final selection requires careful consideration and I expect to be in a position to appoint the new membership very shortly.
