Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Councillor Richie Molloy, a manager of Family Carers Ireland in south Tipperary, and the group from Clonmel to the Gallery.

My office has been inundated with calls about ophthalmology services in Clonmel in south Tipperary. I pay tribute, first, to Dr. Hillery who has retired. My office has received numerous complaints. We are informed that Dr. Hillery gave her notice of retirement in July and retired on 5 October. She has not been replaced and I also understand that the position has not been advertised.

It is unbelievable the HSE can operate in this manner. I understand the service was experiencing a two-year wait for appointments. This was before Dr. Hillery retired. How could this not be anticipated? A professional person who gave great service wished to retire and gave adequate notice, but the position was not even advertised. That is not fair to the people in Clonmel waiting for eye treatment. It is totally unfair. It beggars belief the HSE can operate in that fashion.

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