asked the Minister for Health when it is proposed to appoint an orthopaedic surgeon, with specific responsibility for the patients of South Tipperary, as the waiting list for orthopaedic treatment is excessively long.

While it is not possible at this stage to approve the filling of this particular post, I am concerned about the extent of waiting lists for orthopaedic treatment generally and I am having the overall situation reviewed.

Does the Minister agree that the health board sanctioned the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon for South Tipperary as also did Comhairle na nOspidéal. Does the Minister not agree that it is unfortunate that her Department have placed an embargo on this appointment? One will not get an adult appointment until September 1982 in South Tipperary. This must be the most appalling service in the country. Will the Minister lift the embargo because the people in South Tipperary are suffering as a result of it?

Comhairle na nOspidéal approved this appointment on 6 September 1979. Eighteen months elapsed before I came into this office. It is not something that was created just now. There has been a problem there for some time and I hope it can be resolved shortly.