Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In the section of the programme for Government dealing with health it is clearly stated that, as the finances of the country improve, a greater percentage of money will be spent by the Department of Health. Juvenile arthritis is a serious problem in this country, as the Taoiseach is aware. Up to 1,500 young people suffer from it. The World Health Organization recommends six rheumatologists for a population the size of Ireland's. We only have two. It has also stated that the waiting period should be no more than six weeks. In Ireland, it is three years. Although there is no specific commitment to junior arthritis in the programme for Government, I ask the Taoiseach to give a commitment to deal with that issue as the financial aspect of the health budget improves, as hoped, because it causes much distress and harm to young persons.

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