Vol. 553 No. 5
314 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the crisis in the neurological service here due to the fact that there are only 11 consultant neurologists here, providing a ratio of one consultant neurologist per 350,000 people; his plans to appoint extra neurologists to bring the service in to line with the rest of Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14717/02]
Comhairle na nOspidéal is the statutory body whose main function is to regulate appointments of consultant medical staff in hospitals providing services under the Health Acts, and to specify qualifications for such appointments. It also advises on matters relating to the organisation and operation of hospital services and publishes reports relating to such services. 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 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 still under way and the consultation stage is almost complete. It is expected that its report should be complete in the near future. The need for additional investment in neurology and neurophysiology will be considered in the light of the review by comhairle, other competing priorities, and the availability of adequate funding.
My Department is informed by Comhairle na nOspidéal that there are currently 12 consultant neurologists in place nationally. The most recent of these appointments was made to University College Hospital, Galway, on 17 June 2002. There is also a further post approved by Comhairle for the eastern region which is currently at recruitment stage.
Question No. 315 answered with Question No. 293.
