John McGuinness
Ceist:216 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in processing an appeal under article 10 of the health regulations, 1996, in relation to a refusal by the South Eastern Health Board to grant a community pharmacy contract for a new pharmacy in Borris, County Carlow, in view of the fact that the appeal was lodged on 26 January 1998; if he will expedite the application and issue the contract as soon as possible in view of the public demand for this service; his views on the inefficiency of the system in dealing with this application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18993/99]