Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 1

Written Answers. - Mater Hospital (Dublin) Consultant Posts.

Noel Ahern

Question:

204 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health if he will give approval to the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7, to fill the two rheumatology posts which are currently vacant and seriously affecting the level of service being offered to patients.

Richard Bruton

Question:

206 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lack of a consultant dealing with arthritis in the Mater Hospital in view of the two vacant positions for such consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 204 and 206 together.

I understand that this situation has arisen because of the death of one consultant and the resignation of the second consultant to take up another position. The provision of permanent consultant cover in this area is being examined by my Department at present in consultation with the hospital and will be considered as sympathetically as possible. In the meantime, the rheumatology-arthritis service at the Mater Hospital is being provided by a locum consultant who is seeing new and existing patients.