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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 3

Written Answers. - Neurological Services.

Eamon Gilmore

Eamon Gilmore

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

112 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Health and Children if he intends to act on the report of Comhairle na nOspideál that the number of consultant neurologists should be doubled in the short term and trebled in the long term, especially in view of recent figures showing that there were more than 560 people waiting for brain surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17539/03]

Micheál Martin

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Arising from a number of meetings with various interest groups, I requested Comhairle na nOspidéal to conduct a review of neurological services and related issues. Comhairle established a committee to, inter alia, examine existing arrangements for the provision of consultant-level neurology and neurophysiology services nationally and to make recommendations to Comhairle on the future organisation and development of those services.

The Comhairle report has recently been published and will now be examined by the health boards, the Eastern Regional Health Authority and my Department. The report recommends significant enhancement of neurology and neurophysiology services, and increases in related consultant staffing.
The question of additional investment in neurology and neurophysiology will be considered in the light of the Comhairle review, other competing priorities and the availability of adequate funding.
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