The Minister is probably aware that, in regard to orthopaedic services, for over 20 years in the Midland Health Board area there has been a very considerable waiting list, of up to three years in many cases. The CEO of the Midland Health Board area has stated that there is a serious waiting list problem over this period. Will the Minister bear in mind the position in regard to orthopaedic services in the Midland Health Board area and particularly in regard to Leix-Offaly, which is serviced at present by Kilcreene hospital in Kilkenny?

The Deputy seems to be raising a separate issue.

This is completely in line with the question.

The Chair will be the judge of that.

Would the Minister seriously consider the provision of orthopaedic surgery services in Tullamore hospital in the future?

Perhaps I should reply——

The Deputy is dragging in a red herring from the last board meeting. May I ask a final supplementary question?

I think the Minister was about to reply to a question that had been put to him.

All aspects of medicine will be considered in the discussions between the Department and the health boards and I cannot answer at this stage as to what will happen.