asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that a paediatrician is to be appointed to the general hospital, Portlaoise; and when the appointment will be made.
Written Answers. - Paediatrician for Portlaoise General Hospital.
375.
The Midland Health Board submitted a proposal in August last year indicating the financial implications of creating a paediatrician post at Portlaoise general hospital. This proposal is still under examination in my Department.
Approval of the post will, however, be primarily a matter for Comhairle na nOspidéal, who have responsibility for the numbers and types of consultant appointments in the health services. It is not possible to state when a decision will be made on the proposal.