I propose to take Questions Nos. 236, 245, 252 and 257 together.
The position at present is that services for children in need of neurosurgery are being provided by the consultant neurosurgeons at Beaumont Hospital on referral of patients from consultants in the children's hospitals or direct from general practitioners.
The consultant neurosurgeons at Beaumont have dealt with a large volume of children's cases over the years and were responsible entirely for the service prior to March 1988. The British Institute of Neurosurgeons have confirmed that all accredited neurosurgeons are competent to deal with all aspects of neurosurgery, including children.
I am fully satisfied as to the competence of neurosurgeons at Beaumont Hospital to provide a high level quality service for all patients and for all conditions presenting and there is no need for any concern on the part of any patients or their parents. There is no medical need for any patient to go to a private facility for this service.