asked the Minister for Health whether consideration has been given to increasing the number of trained geriatricians in the general hospital system.

Three geriatricians are at present employed in general hospitals and a fourth will take up duty shortly. Two further posts have been approved and the conditions of appointment are under active consideration. More recently applications have been sent to Comhairle na nOspidéal for the creation of two further posts of geriatrician.

I should point out that the decision in relation to the creation of a post of consultant geriatrician now rests with Comhairle na nOspidéal and I understand that they are giving close attention to this matter.

What would the Minister consider to be an ideal number for the country?

As the Deputy knows, and as I have explained in the House, there is a complete policy in regard to services for senior citizens, contrary to what was recently stated in an article in the newspapers. It includes the appointment of a sufficient number of geriatricians for the rehabilitation and assessment of aged people. The difficulty is that there are not many geriatricians. They are difficult to find, so we are having discussions as to what the qualifications for the post could be other than those of a person who describes himself as a geriatrician, with the special discipline of the geriatrician. We are discussing how we can find people to perform these services if actual geriatricians do not present themselves for appointment when vacancies are notified.

Would the Minister agree that the present number is unsatisfactory? I think he mentioned the figure of four.

It is part of a developing plan.

Would the Minister consider providing training facilities for geriatricians?

I think that has been discussed with the Medical Association.

Question No. 13.