88 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number awaiting hip replacement operations in County Westmeath at 1 September for each of the years 1990 to 1992; and the proposals, if any, he has to reduce the waiting time for this surgery.

The information, in the format requested by the Deputy, is not available. I am advised by the Midland Health Board that, on 27 October 1992, there were 87 patients on the waiting list for hip replacement operations in the Midland Health Board area. Thirty of these patients reside in County Westmeath.