Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 13: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the six year waiting times for rheumatology services in some parts of the country; if her attention has been drawn to a recommendation in a report compiled for the Health Service Executive that the number of rheumatologists should be more than doubled; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6557/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 42 together.

I recognise that there is a need to strengthen rheumatology services through the appointment of additional consultant rheumatologists and a range of other measures.

In 2006, the HSE established a working group, in association with Arthritis Ireland, to examine how rheumatology services could be improved. A report based on the Group's work is being finalised at present and will be published when this process is complete. The HSE's National Service Plan for 2009 includes additional funding of €8m to progress the appointment of priority consultant posts in a number of specialties, including rheumatology.

Since the publication in December 2005 of a report prepared by the former Comhairle na nOspidéal, a number of additional consultant rheumatologists have been appointed. Two new posts were created in the Midlands and North-West areas and the post of Paediatric Rheumatologist was filled in Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin in 2006. Two Rheumatologists will be appointed in the Mid West, providing services in Ennis and Nenagh, as part of the reconfiguration of acute services.

There are significant waiting times for rheumatology services in some parts of the country. The HSE is working to improve hospital outpatient services generally. Among the issues to be addressed are how clinics are organised and managed, and how the appointment and review processes operate. The HSE will also aim to maximise the capacity of specialist nurses and physiotherapists, either by triaging of referrals or facilitating direct referral to treatment services, such as physiotherapy. In addition, it should be noted that in the period 2005 to 2008, over 2700 people were facilitated with rheumatology appointments by the National Treatment Purchase Fund.