I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 115 and 116 together.
The pilot doctor-on-call projects in the North-Eastern and South-Eastern Health Board areas have been independently evaluated and the report has highlighted the fact that the initiatives achieve their objective to provide an enhanced level of service for patients in the areas in which they are situated. A major qualitative and quantitative evaluation is also being undertaken on these projects by Professor Tom O'Dowd and this report should be available in early 2002.
The newer projects which have started in other health board areas took account of the recommendations of the evaluation conducted by Conal Devine and Associates and adapted their plans accordingly. A series of guidelines which refer to out-of-hours projects was issued to all health boards by my Department last year. These guidelines, which must be complied with by all boards with projects, emphasise accountability and the need to secure approval from my Department in advance of the commencement of a project.