Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 178: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of neurologists in practice here; the timescale for increasing the ratio of neurologists to population to meet the European average; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37611/05]

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 progress further the implementation of the Comhairle recommendations in respect of this service.

In 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.