Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the situation regarding cardiology services in County Kerry where the national cardiovascular strategy recommended a full-time cardiology appointment to Kerry General Hospital as a matter of priority in 2003; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is 0.4 cardiologist in Kerry for a population of 126,000; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35461/05]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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In April 2004 funding of €500,000 was allocated to the former Southern Health Board under the cardiovascular health strategy. The funding enabled the board to establish a consultant-led cardiology service for patients in Kerry for the first time. A consultant cardiologist was appointed in March 2005 by way of a sessional partnership between Bon Secours Hospital Tralee and Kerry General Hospital. I understand that an application has been forwarded to the National Hospitals Office-Comhairle na nOspidéal to seek approval and funding for a full time consultant cardiologist post for Kerry General Hospital.