I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 219 together.
The Society of British Neurological Surgeons recommend a capacity of 30 neurosurgical beds plus four intensive care beds per million population. The ideal number of neurosurgeons recommended by the society is eight to serve a population of three million.
In Ireland, neurosurgical services are provided at the National Department for Neurosurgery, Beaumont Hospital Dublin and by the Department for Neurosurgery at University College Hospital Cork. Beaumont Hospital has six consultant neurosurgeons with access to ninety neurosurgical beds including eleven intensive care beds. University College Hospital Cork currently has two consultant neuro-surgeons with access to 19 neurological beds and access to intensive care beds as required. My Department has recently granted approval for the appointment of an additional neuro-surgeon for University College Hospital Cork which will bring the total complement to three, including the filling of a vacancy which will shortly arise owing to a retirement.
The facts that I have outlined with regard to the current and future enhanced neuro-surgery service adequately meet the criteria established by the Society of British Neurological Surgeons which will ensure a safe and accessible neuro-surgery service and meets the population needs of this country.
