asked the Minister for Health the number of patients on the waiting list in South Tipperary for hipjoint replacements; the average waiting period there for this operation; and how these figures compare with the health board and national averages.

There are 29 patients in South Tipperary on the waiting list for hip joint replacement operations, and the average waiting period for these patients is 12 months. While this figure is higher than the overall health board average waiting period, it compares favourably with the national average.

Is the Minister aware that the last hip joint operation for a South Tipperary patient was carried out on 9 July this year? Is she further aware that only 16 such operations were performed on patients from Waterford and South Tipperary from 12 December last year? Can something be done to improve this situation?

This is an area of great concern. The pressure for services of this nature has grown in the recent past with the success rate of the operation. In so far as the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon is concerned I hope one will be appointed in the not too distant future.

Does the Minister agree that the average waiting time is not 12 months but two years? From the figures the Minister has submitted there are 29 patients on the waiting list but only 16 operations have been performed. Nineteen patients are waiting in Waterford since last December. The correct figure should be two years.

I shall give the Deputy the figures I have in respect of the waiting lists. There are 19 people waiting in Waterford and the average waiting period is 13 months. In South Tipperary there are 39 people waiting and the average waiting period is 12 months. Wexford is better and the waiting time is only three months. The national average is seven-and-a-half months and as far as South Tipperary is concerned it is above the national average. That is a matter of particular concern.

The Minister said the national average was seven-and-a-half months.

If I said that I did not mean it. I meant the average in the health board area.

The Minister said that the national average was seven-and-a-half months but I agree that the Minister can make the mistake. In the North Western Health Board area it is a three to five-year waiting period. Will the Minister do something about it?

This has been the case for the last four or five years and Deputy Ellis should have expressed concern before now. The three to five years waiting time did not arise just now but during the term of his Government.

The Minister is well able to defend herself without Mr. Mitchell's barracking.

The Deputy will get his wings all right.

Would the Minister agree that this has been a priority area within the Department for capital investment? Will she maintain its priority?

I guarantee that it is a priority with me.