Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the plight of MS Ireland and the fact that about 12 months ago, sanction was provided for the post of specialist MS nurse at University Hospital Limerick to cover the mid-west. This position has not been filled. While there were all sorts of promises relating to the position being advertised, etc., and it has been advertised, it has still not been filled, which is very worrying. The number of people being diagnosed with MS is increasing. In the report that was done at the time, it was recognised that there should be at least three to four nurses in the mid-west region but even one would be of some support and consolation to MS Ireland. Could the Minister for Health come to the House to tell us when this post will be filled because we are now at a crucial point for MS Ireland?