Hospital Staff.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2007

Tuesday, 24 April 2007

Ceisteanna (255, 256, 257)

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

278 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when, in view of the current figure of only 5 paediatric neurologists currently working here to cater for the entire population and with no dedicated paediatric neurophysiologist and only one paediatric neurosurgeon, this unacceptable situation will change in view of the fact that two reports in 2003 and 2006 recommended that 10 paediatric neurologists and three paediatric neurosurgeons are urgently needed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15451/07]

Jerry Cowley

Ceist:

279 Dr. Cowley asked the Minister for Health and Children when there will be an increase in the amount of adult neurologists as recommended in two reports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15452/07]

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

311 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health and Children the immediate steps she is taking to meet the target of one neurologist per 100,000 population recommended in the National Hospital’s Office report published in 2003. [14187/07]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 278, 279 and 311 together.

Revenue funding of €3m was provided to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2006 for the development of Neurology and Neurophysiology services. An additional €4m has been provided to the Executive in 2007 to support the ongoing development of neurosciences, including neurology services. The detailed application of these monies is a matter for the HSE and accoprdingly my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the specific issues investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputies.