Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 578: To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a situation in Crumlin children's hospital, Dublin, at which the only paediatric rheumatologist is taking maternity leave and is not being replaced for her time absent; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that a patient (details supplied) travelling from west Cork once every two weeks has been told they will now not meet a qualified doctor to prescribe specialist drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31275/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that the Health Service Executive has identified Paediatric Rheumatology as a priority service for children's health services and has approved the recruitment of a new Paediatric Rheumatology Consultant for Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin.

The Paediatric Consultant post already in place in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, will shortly fall vacant due to maternity leave. A locum position was recently advertised but unfortunately there were no applicants for the post. The hospital is currently in discussion with the Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, to identify the level of support they can provide to ensure continued service delivery. I can assure the Deputy that the Health Service Executive will continue its efforts to ensure that this important service can be maintained.

I have referred the specific issue of a patient travelling to Crumlin from outside Dublin to the Health Service Executive, as this is a service matter.