Bernard Allen
Ceist:605 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to develop neurophysiological services. [22107/01]
Written Answers. - Neurological Services.
Denis Naughten
Ceist:640 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a report from Comhairle na nOspidéal on its review of the neurological services here; if so, the recommendations contained in this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22455/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 605 and 640 together.
Last year the Irish Consultant Neurologists Association submitted a report to my Department which identified a need to increase the number of consultant neurologists in this country to meet an increasing demand from people presenting with neurological disorders. The report considered the need for further expansion nationwide, as the nature of neurological practice is changing with new therapies for many disorders becoming available.
Comhairle na nOspidéal is the statutory body whose main function is to regulate appointments of consultant medical staff in hospitals providing services under the Health Acts, and to specify qualifications for such appointments. It also advises on matters relating to the organisation and operation of hospital services and publishes reports relating to such services. Arising from a number of meetings with various interest groups, I have requested Comhairle Na nOspidéal to conduct a review of neurological services and related issues.
Comhairle na nOspidéal has established a committee with the following terms of reference: to examine the existing arrangements for the provision of consultant level neurology and neurophysiology services nationally and, following consultation with the interests concerned, to make recommendations to Comhairle Na nOspidéal on the future organisation and development of neurology and neurophysiology services. The review will focus on updating the 1991 Comhairle report taking into account recent advances in and increasing demand for neurological and neurophysiological services.
The need for additional investment in the neurological and neurosurgical service will be considered in the light of the review by An Comhairle, other competing priorities and the availability of adequate funding.