asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a statement (details supplied) that by the end of this year there will be 1,000 children awaiting ophthalmic services in the Eastern Health Board region; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware of the statement referred to by the Deputy. Waiting lists for children seeking ophthalmic services in the Eastern Health Board area are increasing. Officials of my Department and the board are examining the situation to see if improvements can be effected within existing financial constraints.

The last few words of that answer are most worrying. The Parliamentary Secretary referred to the present financial structure or words to that effect. We have to face the fact that the eyesight of some of these children may be permanently injured because of the waiting period entailed by the failure of somebody to provide proper services. Will the Parliamentary Secretary consider this as a matter of urgency and even emergency so that we can offer some hope to these children that their eye problems will be dealt with in the next few months, not years? The last boy or girl on this list may have to wait years for treatment.

Unfortunately for years some children had to wait for many months before obtaining an appointment with an ophthalmologist. I agree this delay is annoying for the parents and for the children themselves. I can only hope that, with the discussions which are taking place now between the Department, the Eastern Health Board and others, the situation will be improved.

When will the discussions be finalised?

They are on at the moment. I assure the Deputy I will ask to have them expedited.