Vol. 495 No. 1
243 Ms Clune asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to ensure that there will be epidural cover 24 hours a day, seven days a week for women delivering babies in Cork city hospitals; the timescale involved in providing this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19206/98]
The provision of epidural services has been the subject of discussions between the Department of Health and Children and the Southern Health Board and I have recently approved the appointment of five additional anaesthetic registrars. I understand from the board that interviews are currently being arranged for these positions and the filling of these posts will enable the commencement of a full epidural service in both Erinville and St. Finbarr's hospitals on a daily basis from 1 January 1999.
