Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 128: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if it is proposed that the Health Service Executive will implement the Comhairle na nOspidéal report; if the necessary funding from the Department of Finance will be made available in budget 2007; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37210/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 133: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to increase the number of consultant rheumatologists particularly in view of the high number of people who currently have arthritis here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37246/06]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her plans to undertake an agenda to implement the Comhairle na nOspidéal report regarding rheumatology services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37247/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 133 and 134 together.

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. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

The Health Services Executive / Comhairle na nOspidéal produced a report on Rheumatology Services in September 2005 which examines the provision of services and makes recommendations on the organisation and development of rheumatology services in the future. The report acknowledges the increase in consultant posts in rheumatology since a previous report in 1995. This Government is committed to continue the development of health services including rheumatology services through increased investment and reform.