297 Mr. N. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will arrange for a person (details supplied) in County Cork to be admitted to hospital to undergo surgery; and if the person will be referred to the National Treatment Purchase Fund if a further delay is to be incurred. [12496/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy. Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on her behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to this case.

298 Mr. O’Shea asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals she has to provide additional funding for the weight management clinic at St. Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12501/07]

The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

299 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the concern regarding the lack of neurologists in the State, particularly concerns of people with epilepsy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12502/07]

Revenue funding of €3 million was provided to the Health Service Executive in 2006 for the development of Neurology and Neurophysiology services. An additional €4m has been provided to the Executive in 2007 to support the ongoing development of neurosciences, including neurology services.

The HSE is currently conducting a national neurology needs assessment which is seeking to identify clearly the current provision and future requirements of the health system for neurology services. This group, which has multi-sectoral representation, has already identified key priorities for 2007 which reflect the recommendations of the 2003 Comhairle report on Neurology and Neurophysiology.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

300 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay in arranging an operation for a person (details supplied) in County Carlow; and if she will expedite the matter. [12506/07]

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services is a matter for the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular issue raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on his behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to this case.