Vol. 443 No. 8
91 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are two consultant posts for rheumatologists in the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7, which have been vacant for the past two years; and the reason he has not sanctioned their filling.
The vacancies have occurred because of the death of one consultant and the resignation of the second consultant to take up another position. At present, the rheumatology service is being provided by a locum consultant who is seeing new and existing patients. The replacement of vacant consultant posts, including the rheumatology posts, is due to be discussed shortly between officials of my Department and the hospital authorities.
