asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is no community occupational therapist or community physiotherapist in counties Clare or Limerick; and if he will request the Mid-Western Health Board to employ these skilled people to bring relief to multiple sclerosis sufferers in these counties.
Written Answers. - Health Bord Staffing.
84.
All health agencies now advise my Department on a monthly basis of their immediate priority permanent staffing requirements. To date the Mid-Western Health Board has not identified the posts referred to by the Deputy as being of a high priority within the limited resources currently available. I am advised by the board that while these posts are considered desirable they do not, in the board's view, warrant a high priority in light of pressing demands in other service areas. I am further advised by the board that appropriate medical and nursing services are available to multiple sclerosis sufferers in the areas cited. The Deputy can be assured that the board's staffing priorities will continue to receive sympathetic consideration within the resources available to my Department.