asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who were waiting for orthopaedic treatment at Letterkenny General Hospital in the years ended December 1981 and December 1982; if he will give similar figures for Sligo General Hospital.

The number of persons on the waiting list for orthopaedic out-patient clinics at Letterkenny General Hospital was 1,249 at 31 December 1981 and 1,360 at 31 December 1982. The number of persons on the waiting list for orthopaedic out-patient clinics at Sligo General Hospital was 1,064 at 31 December 1981 and 1,157 at 31 December 1982. At 31 December 1981 there were 322 persons awaiting in-patient treatment at the Orthopaedic Unit, Sligo General Hospital and 167 persons at 31 December 1982. There are no specific in-patient orthopaedic services at Letterkenny.

Can the Minister say what plans he and the health boards have to reduce those waiting lists?

The North-Western Health Board have decided to seek the provision of a new orthopaedic unit in Letterkenny General Hospital. They are also seeking the appointment of a third orthopaedic surgeon to be based in Letterkenny. I would stress that this is the board's second priority on their current list of capital proposals which they intend to submit shortly for consideration by the Department.

Will the Minister be prepared to sanction the unit and the appointment of a surgeon?

I am prepared to examine both proposals. At this stage I cannot give any assurance in regard to sanction. The proposals will be submitted shortly, but I cannot give any assurance about sanction.