Pat Carey
Ceist:456 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Health and Children if a proposal has been received by his Department from the director of the National Children's Eye Centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26964/01]
Written Answers. - Ophthalmology Services.
Proposals for the development of services at the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, are a matter for consideration by the Eastern Regional Health Authority – ERHA – in the first instance.
My Department has been in correspondence with the hospital and the ERHA regarding the development of ophthalmology services. On 8 August 2001 I was pleased to inform the hospital that the ERHA had accepted a recommendation for the appointment of three community ophthalmic physicians and support staff to advance the development of services in this specialty. I am advised by the authority that the three area health boards are currently finalising issues relating to these posts, which will be advertised in the near future.