Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note the Minister of State acknowledged how the important the service provided by the MS specialist nurse is. The disappointment I feel is because something similar was said last May. It was said it would be prioritised. As we are midway through October, I seek a commitment from the Minister of State that he will keep up the pressure on the hospital group to advertise this post and get it filled as quickly as possible because, as the report stated, it is necessary to have three such nurses. This is only the first of those three nursing posts. It is six months on and we still have none. It is really important for MS sufferers and their families that this post be filled as soon as possible. I would like to see it filled tomorrow rather than this time next year. I would be very grateful if the Minister of State could give me a commitment that he will keep up the pressure on the hospitals group to fill this post as soon as possible.