John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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5. To ask the Minister for Health the current staffing levels at the dermatology department of University Hospital Waterford; if the unit is fully staffed and operating to its full potential; when the full dermatology services at the hospital will be restored; the plans the Health Service Executive has to make this happen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36668/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I understand that University Hospital Waterford has experienced staffing and recruitment difficulties in the Dermatology Department. However, I can assure the Deputy that the HSE and the South/South West Hospital Group is committed to restoring the dermatology service as soon as possible to full operation.

There are three approved consultant dermatologist posts in University Hospital Waterford. I am advised that one consultant dermatologist returned from leave in March but the other two posts are currently vacant. However, the two posts are being filled and the successful candidates are in the process of being cleared by the Public Appointments Service. It is expected that they will commence duty early in the New Year. Once these two dermatologists are in post, it is intended to restore a full regional service, including regular outreach clinics in the hospital's wider catchment area.

In the interim, and pending the appointment of the remaining consultants, University Hospital Waterford has an arrangement in place with the dermatology service at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in Cork city. Arrangements for urgent referrals for dermatology, such as for patients with melanomas or suspicious pigmented lesions, those on biologic agents and patients requiring emergency reviews, are referred to the Department at the South Infirmary, or to the nearest Dermatology Unit as appropriate.