Vol. 512 No. 7
72 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures, if any, he will take to ensure that the proposed east coast health board will provide a paediatric consultant service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27057/99]
As the Deputy will be aware, the eastern regional health authority will be established on 1 March 2000. Thereafter, the three area health boards will be established.
The provision of specific services by the three area health boards is a matter which will be the subject of detailed discussions between the boards and the authority. In accordance with the new authority's remit, existing services will be reviewed with a view to identifying gaps in services and development needs.
The task force on the eastern regional health authority is having discussions with a wide range of agencies across the region in preparation for the establishment of the authority. I am confident that the authority and the area health boards will be in a position to address all service issues, including paediatric services, once the statutory arrangements have been put in place.
