In the section of the programme for Government dealing with health it is clearly stated that, as the finances of the country improve, a greater percentage of money will be spent by the Department of Health. Juvenile arthritis is a serious problem in this country, as the Taoiseach is aware. Up to 1,500 young people suffer from it. The World Health Organization recommends six rheumatologists for a population the size of Ireland's. We only have two. It has also stated that the waiting period should be no more than six weeks. In Ireland, it is three years. Although there is no specific commitment to junior arthritis in the programme for Government, I ask the Taoiseach to give a commitment to deal with that issue as the financial aspect of the health budget improves, as hoped, because it causes much distress and harm to young persons.

There is no specific commitment on that matter in the programme for Government but Deputy Eugene Murphy is correct that we have far too few consultant rheumatologists, of whom there are only two in the entire country, for a country of our size and young population. The HSE is working on a proposal to increase the number of consultant rheumatologist posts and for that to be backed up by clinical nurse specialists and others. That will be considered for the service plan 2019.