Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 88: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 678 of 27 January 2004, if she will provide an update on the development of rheumatology services in the west; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8986/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services.

The expansion of existing rheumatology services is now a matter for the Health Service Executive. In December 2004, my Department issued financial clearance to the Western Health Board for an additional consultant physician with a special interest in rheumatology and provided additional funding to develop rheumatology services during 2005. My Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to provide the Deputy with information on the current position in relation to the development of rheumatology services in the western area.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 89: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of patients in County Roscommon awaiting the services of an audiologist; the average waiting time for the service; the action which is being taken to appoint an audiologist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8987/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for audiology services. Accordingly, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.