Following are Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s remarks at the start of the

(Monday), 21.3.05: “Today, the Cabinet will be briefed on the national health services basket by Prof. Bolislav Goldman, chairman of the public committee on updating the basket. After I hear the positions of Health Minister Danny Naveh and Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, I intend to recommend that the Cabinet approve a NIS 150 million supplement, in addition to the NIS 200 million that the Government has already approved. The total supplement for this year will thus stand at NIS 350 million – the highest sum that has ever been added to the basket. I think that the significant improvement in the economic situation must be expressed in the Government’s attitude toward the weaker populations. Approving my recommendation today would be another step in implementing our commitment even as the economy improves, which will also be felt in the Government’s socio-economic policy. The amount to be added will not break the budgetary framework. I asked Finance Minister Netanyahu to submit to me within a few days several alternatives for financing this supplement. If necessary, the issue of resources will be submitted to the Cabinet at its next meeting. On another issue, today the Cabinet will approve the appointment of Stanley Fischer as the next Governor of the Bank of Israel (). The appointment has been approved by the Advisory Committee on Senior Civil Service Appointments chaired by retired Judge Gabriel Bach. I have known Stanley Fischer for many years and I am certain that he will greatly contribute to the State of Israel. Prof. Fischer has done the Zionist thing by immigrating to Israel in order to move the Israeli economy forward and we all wish him success. On behalf of the entire Government, I would like to thank Dr. David Klein for his service as Governor of the Bank of Israel, during which he was a leading partner in lifting the Israeli economy out of recession. Today, the Cabinet will also approve the appointment of Yuval Diskin as Director of the Israel Security Agency (ISA), as was approved by the Bach Committee. I am convinced that Yuval Diskin will lead the ISA well in the face of the complex missions facing the State of Israel and we wish him every success in his post. On behalf of the entire Government, I send thanks to outgoing ISA Director Avi Dichter, who led the organization with great success during a difficult period in the annals of the State. ISA Director Dichter, who still leads the struggle, had a decisive role in the impressive achievements vis-?-vis Palestinian terrorism.” BPI-info