Vol. 515 No. 2
71 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this State has only one urologist per 180,000 of population, compared to one per 30,000 in other EU countries; and when he will recruit additional urologists to reduce the escalating urological waiting lists. [5514/00]
149 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this State has only one urologist per 180,000 of population, compared to one per 30,000 in other EU countries; and when he will recruit additional urologists to reduce the escalating urological waiting lists. [5618/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 71 and 149 together.
According to Comhairle na n-Ospidéal figures, there are 18 full-time consultant urologists. In addition to these, there are a number of posts of general surgeon throughout the country where the post holders would also undertake some urology work.
The need for additional consultant urologist posts will be considered by agencies and by my Department as part of the ongoing identification of priorities in the context of the many competing demands for resources throughout the health services.
