Vol. 512 No. 5
89 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the funding is due to expire for the epidermylosis bullosa nurse at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin; the representations, if any, he has received for provision of funding; the plans, if any, he has to provide the necessary funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26498/99]
The paediatric dermatology service at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, includes the provision of care for children affected by epidermolysis bullosa. The hospital has identified a need for the further development of its dermatology service which includes the provision of continued support services for children affected by epidermolysis bullosa with particular emphasis on the role of the EB nurse specialist. It has submitted a proposal to my Department in this regard.
This proposal, which is linked to a proposal from St. James's Hospital for the development of its dermatology service in terms of joint consultant appointments, is under consideration by my Department.
I am providing Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children with funding for the development of its dermatology services in 2000. The Deputy will appreciate, however, that it is a matter for the agency concerned to determine its staffing requirements in terms of its service priorities.
