I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 47, 74 and 81 together.
In February 2002, Comhairle na nOspidéal was asked to carry out a review of neurosurgical services, focusing in particular on the provision of adequate capacity and equity of access to neurosurgical services, having regard to best practice in the provision of quality health care. Comhairle established a committee to review neurosurgical services, and I understand the committee's work is at an advanced stage.
The development of neurosurgical services, including the appointment of additional consultants, will be progressed having regard to the recommendations contained in the Comhairle report when it has been completed, and in the event of additional development funding becoming available.
To date, the number of neurosurgical operations carried out under the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF, is 258, and a further 25 operations are in the process of being arranged.
The locations where these operations were carried out are the Blackrock Clinic, the Hampshire Clinic London, BUPA Hospital, Manchester and North West Independent Hospital, Derry. Cork University Hospital and Beaumont Hospital have undertaken a small number of operations which were not suitable for referral to the private sector.
The NTPF has reported that there are no patients waiting more than three months at Cork University Hospital, and there are 257 patients waiting longer than three months at Beaumont Hospital for neurosurgical operations.