To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if the Eastern Health and social services board intends to re-advertise the post of director of public health;(2) when the Eastern health and social services board expects a permanent director of public health to take up the post.

The vacant post of director of public health, Eastern health and social services board, was advertised in March 1993. A number of candidates were shortlisted for the post, but following interviews the board did not make an appointment.The board intends to readvertise the post and, in the meantime, an effective acting-up arrangement is in place.