Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 9 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 6

Ceisteanna — Questions Written Answers. - Ophthalmic Services.

Ivan Yates

Ceist:

99 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that optical treatment in County Wexford will recommence as soon as possible in view of the fact that there is no optician currently operating there and it may be two to three months before further treatments are considered; and if, in view of the lengthy waiting list, he will take some measures to ensure that applicants such as a person (details supplied) in County Wexford have their treatment expedited.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

The provision of ophthalmic services to eligible persons in County Wexford is a matter for the South-Eastern Health Board in the first instance and I have referred the details of the specific case mentioned by the Deputy to them.

I understand that the board are endeavouring as a matter of urgency to recruit a replacement for the community ophthalmic physician who recently resigned and that the vacancy is due to be advertised next Sunday. In the meantime the board has made arrangements for the immediate treatment of any emergency cases.