Hospital Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 December 2006

Tuesday, 12 December 2006

Ceisteanna (283)

Mary Upton

Ceist:

302 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Health and Children if she proposes to provide support for early arthritis clinics in the Dublin area; if so, the level of funding proposed and the timeframe in relation to same; if she proposes to make funds available for early arthritis clinics outside of the Dublin area; if so, the level of funding and the timeframe in relation to same; if her attention has been drawn to the consequences, medically and financially, of the delay in diagnosing arthritis; if her further attention has been drawn to the significant benefits of early diagnosis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42822/06]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

In September 2002, Comhairle na nOspidéal initiated a review of Rheumatology Services. Its report, which was published in December 2005, examines the provision of services and makes recommendations on the organisation and development of rheumatology services in the future.

Responsibility for the implementation of these recommendations rests with the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.