Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 521: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of rheumatologists within the Health Service Executive service; the geographical positioning or health areas of same; if this number is compliant with the World Health Organisation standards; if not, her plans or those of the HSE to deal with this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38635/09]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 522: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the actions she or the Health Service Executive has taken to date to deal with the waiting lists for children seeking paediatric rheumatology treatment; the number of children on the waiting list; the waiting period involved; if the waiting list is increasing; if so if research has been completed or is planned to investigate such an increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38640/09]

Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 546: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she or her officials have met with or propose to meet with an organisation (details supplied) to discuss their campaign in relation to increasing the number of paediatric rheumatologists within the Health Service Executive or available to medical card holders through schemes as determined by the HSE in regard to problems in general that arthritis suffers have to contend with in seeking to have a normal lifestyle; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38785/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 521, 522 and 546 together.

I have met with Arthritis Ireland from time to time to discuss how best to deliver services to those suffering from arthritis. The most recent meeting was in June of this year.

I am keenly aware of the distress caused by this condition to those who suffer from it, and I am happy to say that as a result of the 2005 report of Comhairle na nOspidéal there have been significant developments in this area. One of the key recommendations of the report was the recruitment of a number of additional Consultant Rheumatologists. The number of consultant posts overall increased from 16 in 2002 to 25.7 at present, including a post for children and young people at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin.

As the other issues raised by the Deputy are service matters, I have referred them to the HSE for direct reply.