Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 and 94 together.

The working group on arthritis and related conditions was established by the HSE in 2006. The group's report is expected to be completed shortly and will be then considered by the HSE senior management team. It is intended that the work of the group will inform the future planning and delivery of services for people suffering from arthritis and related conditions.

There have been significant developments in this area as a result of the 2005 report of Comhairle na nOspidéal, which recommended the recruitment of a number of additional consultant rheumatologists. The number of consultant posts overall increased from 16 in 2002 to 25.7 currently, including a post for children and young people at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. The recruitment of a second consultant rheumatologist in the north west is underway. In addition, in the period 2005 to 2008, more than 2,700 people were facilitated with rheumatology appointments by the National Treatment Purchase Fund.

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