Vol. 566 No. 1
462 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when an ophthalmologist will be appointed to the health centre in Ballinrobe, County Mayo; the progress which has been made on this matter to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11786/03]
The provision of ophthalmic services and any matters relating to such provision within its functional area is a matter for the relevant health board or the Eastern Regional Health Authority. In the case of Ballinrobe, County Mayo this responsibility lies with the Western Health Board.
I have been in contact with the Western Health Board and it has informed me that the post of ophthalmologist for Mayo community services was advertised by the Local Appointments Commission on 19 September 2002 with a closing date of 10 October 2002. I have been informed that no candidates were qualified as a result of this competition. I understand that the post has been re-advertised by the LAC within the last number of weeks.
