Written answers

Tuesday, 20 May 2008

Department of Health and Children

Health Service Staff

9:00 pm

Photo of Tom HayesTom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 228: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of neurologists per head of the population; the equivalent numbers for other European countries; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19554/08]

Photo of Tom HayesTom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 229: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the recommendation from Comhairle na nOspidéal in recent years for a minimum of one neurologist per 100,000 people when the current level here stands at 20 neurologists; if there are plans in the next year to improve this situation; if this is considered suitable in view of the rising age of the population and the importance of adequate neurology care for older people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19555/08]

Photo of Tom HayesTom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action taken to tackle the future problems in neurology stemming from the projected increase in the incidence of neurological conditions due to an ageing population; the extra amount spent on neurology over the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19556/08]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 228 to 230, inclusive, together.

In recognition of the need to develop neurology and neurophysiology services additional revenue funding of €3m was allocated to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2006. In 2007 further additional revenue funding of €4m was allocated to support the continuing development of services in the area of neurosciences (neurology, neurophysiology and also neurosurgery services). There has been an increase in the number of consultant neurology posts arising from this investment. There are currently 24 approved posts of consultant neurologist in Ireland. This is an increase of 10 approved posts since the 2003 Comhairle na nOspideal report on neurology and neurophysiology. In addition, there are currently 7 approved posts of consultant clinical neurophysiologist, an increase of 4 approved posts since the Comhairle report. The HSE has made provision in its 2008 National Service Plan to progress the recruitment of a number of unfilled consultant neurologist and consultant neurophysiologist posts.

A Strategic Review of Neurology services in Ireland has been undertaken by the HSE. The Review was overseen by a multidisciplinary Steering Group whose aim was to identify the current level of service provision and future requirements for neurology and neurophysiology services in Ireland. The specific objectives were to:

1. Describe the epidemiology of neurological conditions in Ireland.

2. Evaluate current neurology services, including paediatrics and neurophysiology.

3. Review the evidence in relation to models of service delivery and make a recommendation on the preferred model for the Irish health system.

4. Identify requirements for the development of neurology and neurophysiology services nationally and prioritise service requirements.

5. Report to the Director of the National Hospitals Office.

Work on the review has recently been completed and the final draft report has been submitted to the Director of the National Hospitals Office for consideration. The review builds on the previous work done in 2003 by Comhairle na nOispidéal. The findings will help to inform the approach taken by the HSE to the future development of these services. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy on the additional issues raised.

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