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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 19 May 1999

Vol. 505 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Theresa Ahearn

Question:

164 Mrs. T. Ahearn asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the worsening waiting list for rheumatolgoy clinic appointments in south Tipperary which is now at 15 months; the steps, if any, he will take to resolve this problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13136/99]

The provision of rheumatology services in the South-Eastern Health Board area is a matter for the health board in the first instance. A regional rheumatology service was introduced at Waterford Regional Hospital in 1997 when a new consultant rheumatologist took up appointment. The service has been developed through the provision of additional funding by my Department amounting to £637,000 since 1997. The continued development of the service will be considered in consultation with the South-Eastern Health Board in the context of competing priorities and the availability of additional resources for 2000.

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