Vol. 445 No. 6
419 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some health boards do not have any consultant rheumatologists in their region with the result that many women suffering from arthritis have little access to the health services they require; and the plans, if any, he has to deal with this problem. [264/94]
As the Deputy is no doubt aware, rheumatology and rehabilitation have become separate specialties in the recent past. Comhairle na nOspidéal has established a committee to examine and to formulate recommendations on the implications of this separation. The future development of these specialities including local, regional and national consultant rheumatologist manpower requirements will need to be examined in light of comhairle's recommendations.
