Brendan Howlin
Ceist:341 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps he will take to ensure an early appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford awaiting rheumatology services at Waterford Regional Hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the waiting list for rheumatology services in the south east stands at two years and eight months; if he will request the South-Eastern Health Board to appoint at least one additional rheumatologist to reduce the waiting period to a reasonable level; if he will provide additional funding to ensure such an appointment can be made without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25966/01]