Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 2

Written Answers. - Consultant Appointments.

John Perry

Question:

243 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children his plans to deal with the shortage of neurologists in the country to improve the services for people with neurological conditions; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that such an improvement can only take place with an increase in the numbers of neurologists and a concomitant improvement in the services that are available to people with neurological problems; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that some patients have to wait for six months for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7529/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

Arising from a number of meetings with various interest groups, I requested Comhairle na nOspidéal to conduct a review of neurological services and related issues. Comhairle established a committee with the following terms of reference, to examine the existing arrangements for the provision of consultant-level neurology and neurophysiology services nationally and, following consultation with the interests concerned, to make recommendations to Comhairle Na nOspidéal on the future organisation and development of neurology and neurophysiology services. The review will focus on updating the 1991 Comhairle report taking into account recent advances in and increasing demand for neurological and neurophysiological services.

The Comhairle review is at an advanced stage and will be completed shortly. The need for additional investment in neurology and neurophysiology services will be considered in the light of the review, other competing priorities, and the availability of adequate funding.