Vol. 412 No. 1
130 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Health if he will outline (1) the number of paediatric neurologists employed in the country for the public health service, (2) whether he intends advertising for more neurologists and (3) whether in view of the waiting list in north city and County Dublin with new referrals waiting up to six months for an appointment, he will consider an appointment in this area as a matter of urgency.
There are two paediatic neurologists employed in the country at present — one based in Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin and one based in the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin, which provide services on a national basis.
I have only recently received the Comhairle na nOspidéal report on neurology services which recommends a complement of four posts of paediatric neurologist for this country. The creation of these two extra posts and the associated costs will be considered as sympathetically as possible by my Department in the context of the resources available and the many competing demands for new developments throughout the health services.
There are currently 28 children from Dublin North City and County on the out-patient waiting list at Temple Street Hospital which caters for this area. The waiting period is approximately four months. There is no in-patient waiting list for the same catchment area.
