asked the Minister for Health whether, in view of the concern of the North Western Health Board and the hardship that will be caused to patients, she will review her decision not to proceed with the sanctioning of the appointment of a consultant rheumatologist for the rehabilitation centre at Our Lady's Hospital, Manorhamilton, County Leitrim; and whether she considers that this is a case where the Government's policy against the creation of additional public posts should not be rigidly applied.

As I stated in reply to a written question on 3 November 1981 (Official Report—Volume 330, column 985), it is not possible at this stage to sanction this appointment, having regard to the Government's policy on the creation of additional posts. The position will, however, be reviewed as soon as circumstances permit.