Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 87: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the progress made in regard to the need to resolve the lack of co-ordination and the duplication of services between the Health Service Executive ambulance service and the fire brigade ambulance service in the greater Dublin area; when the report on neurological services will be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8546/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The first part of 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. Pre-hospital emergency care services in the eastern region are provided by the executive and Dublin City Council through Dublin Fire Brigade. My Department is advised by the executive that a review of command and control arrangements in the eastern region is currently being undertaken by representatives from the executive and Dublin City Council. My Department has requested the parliamentary affairs division of the executive to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on this matter.

With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, 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 to 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.