Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for her comprehensive reply. She has acknowledged some of the developments that have taken place not only with regard to additional resources for stroke, but also the changes in attitude towards stroke and stroke prevention and other interventions. The fact remains that an extra €4.2 million was allocated to stroke services in 2011 service plan. There was an expectation that the two positions, the clinical nurse specialist and the therapist, would be allocated to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. As I stated earlier, a stroke unit is not simply about a building or equipment it is about interventions, the type of which can be provided by the clinical nurse specialist and the therapist. I believe that the Minister of State accepts the need for such interventions and staffing arrangements. I am unsure whether the question has been satisfactorily addressed but my concern is whether we can expect these positions to be filled by the end of the year as per the plan and the resources allocated. If this is not the case, will a commitment be made that these positions will be filled early next year to deal with the clear demand in the north east and in the Louth-Meath area for interventions for stroke?

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