Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of children with arthritis from North Tipperary who are waiting on the only paediatric rheumatologist here in Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin, Dublin 12; the length of time these children have been waiting for treatment; her plans to appoint a second specialist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39721/09]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 92: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is acceptable that children with arthritis have to wait 13 months to see the paediatric rheumatologist here; if she will instruct the Health Service Executive to appoint two further paediatric rheumatologists to assist in relieving pain for these children. [39775/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 92 together.

During 2009, the HSE provided significant additional service pressure funding to the paediatric hospitals in Dublin, to address priority service requirements in intensive care, neurosurgery and surgery.

For rheumatology, national funding was provided for two additional rheumatologist posts. The posts identified by the HSE as priorities for this year were adult rheumatologist posts in Kerry and in the North East. The HSE will be keeping the position in paediatric rheumatology under review, in the context of available resources.

I have forwarded the Deputies' questions to the HSE for a more detailed response.