Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 149: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to increase the number of neurologists [i]per capita[/i]; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10112/06]

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 176: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she has satisfied herself with the adequacy of neurological services here; her views on whether the service could be enhanced or improved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10310/06]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 263: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she is taking to improve neurology services here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10843/06]

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 295: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the ratio of neurologists to patients here at one for 250,000 people, or 16 overall, is the worst in Europe; if she appreciates that one for 100,000 persons is an optimum minimum requirement for a basic neurological service in view of the fact that the norm in Europe is one per 40,000 people; the steps she proposes to increase the number of neurologists to a realistic level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11115/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 149, 176, 263 and 295 together.

As part of the Estimates for health services in 2006, additional funding of €3 million was allocated specifically for the further development of neurology and neurophysiology services. 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 multidisciplinary 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.