Enda Kenny
Ceist:322 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are approximately 14,500 people with arthritis in County Mayo who have to travel to Merlin Park Hospital, Galway, for treatment; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 75 patients call to Galway on a weekly basis and have to wait several hours to be seen, as there is only one rheumatologist to attend them; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there are currently 700 patients on the waiting list to be seen by the rheumatologist in Merlin Park; if it is intended to appoint further rheumatologists to the Western Health Bord; if an appointment will be made for Mayo General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7514/01]