Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason there has been no progress on the situation whereby one single consultant rheumatologist is responsible for the entire rheumatology service of the Western Health Board area and more besides; his views on whether this is acceptable one year after consultant rheumatologists and patient advocacy groups presented their case to the Joint Committee on Health and Children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15123/04]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The expansion of rheumatology services is initially a matter for the Western Health Board, which has prepared a strategic plan for the development of such services in the region. The plan proposes the appointment of additional rheumatologists. I agree there is a need for additional investment in rheumatology services in the west and other regions. The question of funding additional consultant posts in the west can only be considered in the context of the Western Health Board's priorities for services in 2004 in the acute hospital sector.