138 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the first spinal cord stimulator has been installed at Waterford Regional Hospital and such a facility has only been available in Dublin with a five year waiting list; if he will provide funding to allow this facility to be used to assist the 19 patients in the south eastern area to avail of the treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12604/02]

The provision of services at Waterford Regional Hospital is a matter for the South-Eastern Health Board, in the first instance. My Department has therefore asked the chief executive officer at the board to look into this matter and to reply directly to the Deputy.