Vol. 533 No. 5
114 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland has the lowest ratio of consultant dermatologists per head of population in Europe (details supplied); if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the British Association of Dermatologists recommends a minimum of one consultant per 85,000 people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9386/01]
The provision of health services is the statutory function of the health boards and the development of individual services is determined having regard to the priorities identified by each board. At present, people with complaints relating to the skin receive treatment from general practitioners and from consultant physicians as well as consultant dermatologists. Representatives of consultant dermatologists have raised the question of the need for more consultant dermatologists with my Department.
The medical staffing of hospitals is a matter that has been considered by the Medical Manpower Forum. The forum has made a number of recommendations relating to the reconfiguration of medical staff in hospitals. It will be necessary to assess how best the forum's recommendations can be implemented and developments within particular specialties would have to be considered in this context.
