Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 794: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the average waiting list, on a county basis, for an appointment with a rheumatologist; the average time people have to spend on a waiting list before being seen by a consultant rheumatologist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1919/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 795: 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. [1920/07]

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 796: 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. [1921/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 794 to 796, inclusive, together.

In December 2005, Comhairle na nOspideal published a report on Rheumatology Services which included recommendations on the organisation and development of rheumatology services in the future. Responsibility for the implementation of these recommendations rests with the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.