Vol. 472 No. 8
69 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health if he has satisfied himself with the number of consultant cardiac surgeons; whether he supports the view that additional heart consultants are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24220/96]
Limerick East): I have accepted the need to expand further the public hospital capacity for cardiac surgery and my strategy to tackle this problem includes the appointment of additional cardiac surgeons on a permanent basis. I have received tenders from four hospitals to undertake the additional work which is required and these are being examined.
However, because of the need to ensure that developments are well planned it will take some time before the type of permanent, high cost infrastructure which is required can be put in place. In the interim I have arranged for the purchase of open heart surgery from health care organisations at prices which are reasonable on a once-off basis.
