Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Healy for raising this matter. I know from what he said the stressful impact the situation is having on people who require eye care services in south Tipperary. I have been assured of two things. One is that the HSE is actively trying to fill the post. I take the point the Deputy made about the gap between someone who gives due notice of retirement and filling a vacancy. I understand the HSE is actively trying to fill the vacancy. I have also been informed that there are no plans to withdraw the service from the Deputy's area. I will ask the Minister for Health to come back to him directly. I am assured the HSE is eager to fill the vacancy and get the service back up and running.

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