Charles Flanagan
Question:155 Mr. Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the ratio of population to orthopaedic surgeon in the Midland Health Board area incorporating counties Laois, Offaly, Westmeath and Longford, currently stands at 103,800:1 which is not only the highest ratio in this country, but in the developed world; the steps, if any, he proposes to take to reduce this ratio having regard to the lengthy waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter.