Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Question 329: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the fact that private patients seeking appointments with consultant neurologists have to endure a waiting time between two and a half and three years; if her attention has further been drawn to the fact that public patients can only access neurological treatment by being admitted to hospital; her plans to appoint sufficient consultant neurologists to ensure a proper service; the hospitals to which the new appointees will be attached; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35700/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the Health Act 2004 the Health Service Executive has responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. This includes responsibility for the provision of neurology services. The Comhairle report on neurology and neurophysiology recommended significant enhancement of these services including the appointment of additional consultants.

As part of the Estimates for health services in 2006, additional funding of €3 million is being allocated specifically for the further development of neurology and neurophysiology services. The additional funding will allow the Health Service Executive to further progress the implementation of the Comhairle recommendations in respect of this service. With regard to the specific issues raised by the Deputy, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the HSE to have these matters investigated and to reply to the Deputy directly.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 330: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when speech therapy will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35703/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.