Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 26: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to relieve the overcrowding in accident and emergency departments at each of the DATHS hospitals; her further plans to introduce a reward-penalty scheme for accident and emergency departments; when the report on neurological services will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8531/06]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 114: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the plans that are in place to relieve the overcrowding in accident and emergency departments at each of the DATHS hospitals; her plans to introduce a reward-penalty scheme for accident and emergency departments; when the report on neurological services will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8732/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 114 together.

My Department is in ongoing discussions with the Health Service Executive with regard to the need for improvement in accident and emergency services, with a particular focus on reducing the numbers on trolleys and the waiting times for patients in individual hospitals.

There is a need to build on the existing action plan for accident and emergency services and, in particular, to adopt a more focused approach that concentrates on individual hospital performance. Arising from the discussions with the HSE, a number of proposals have been agreed, including provision for specific performance improvement targets for individual hospitals.

With regard to neurology services, additional funding of €3 million was allocated specifically for the further development of neurology and neurophysiology services as part of the Estimates for health services in 2006. This funding was provided to allow the Health Service Executive further progress the implementation of the recommendations made by the former Comhairle na nOspidéal in respect of these services. The Comhairle report, which has been published, recommended significant enhancement of services, including the appointment of additional consultants. While reaching the full complement of consultant posts as recommended will take some time, major improvements in patient care can be achieved in the shorter term through a combination of additional consultant posts and the appointment of a number of clinical nurse specialists and allied health professionals.

My Department is advised by the executive that the development of three new neurology units will commence during 2006, one in the mid-west, one in the north west and one in the south east, with the appointment of multi-disciplinary teams comprising consultant neurologists and support staff.

The HSE will also be investing in neurophysiology services in 2006, with the development of an innovative teleneurophysiology link between Sligo General Hospital and Beaumont Hospital. This initiative is designed to reduce waiting times for diagnostic testing.