Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 272: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will investigate a situation whereby children attending Cork University Hospital are to be left without a paediatric dietician due to the fact that the current dietician will be going on maternity leave shortly and no provision has been made to replace them, which will cause risk to children who are dependant on this service. [18043/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In order to implement savings measures on public service numbers, the Government has decided that, with effect from 27 March 2009 to end 2010, no post in the public sector, however arising, may be filled by recruitment, promotion, or the payment of an allowance for the performance of duties at a higher grade. The decision also applies to temporary appointments on a fixed-term basis and to the renewal of such contracts.

Arrangements have been put in place for the health sector that aim to ensure that key services are maintained as far as possible and there will be flexibility in relation to the filling of key front-line posts for the following grades; Hospital Consultants, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Clinical Psychologist, Behavioural Therapist, Counsellor, Social workers and Emergency Medical Technicians to allow for the continued development of integrated health care, particularly primary and community care, care of the elderly and people with disabilities.

The way in which the Government decision will be applied is a matter for the Health Service Executive. In the particular case raised by the Deputy, I understand that arrangements are being made in Cork University Hospital to draw on the other dietetics resources available in order to continue to provide the necessary services to paediatric diabetes patients.

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 273: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Cork is provided with hospital services for an appropriate period of time following a forthcoming operation. [18045/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy's question relates to the operation of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, my Department has asked the Chief Executive of the Fund to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the information requested.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be called for an orthopaedic surgery appointment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18053/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath will be given an appointment with a consultant at Tullamore Hospital, County Offaly; and if this will be expedited. [18058/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.