Cardiology services in Sligo University Hospital are being provided by two consulting cardiologists, one occupying a permanent position and the other in a part-time role. I thank the full-time cardiologist, who wishes to retire, for his services and the many hundreds of lives he has saved in his time at the hospital. Sligo University Hospital has made an application to the Department for permission to advertise the position. Could the Minister for Health expedite the process in that regard? We know the importance of the work and I am sure the Taoiseach, as a medical doctor, is aware of the benefit of cardiology services. It is important that this matter be dealt with as quickly as possible.

I thank Deputy Scanlon for raising the issue. He and Deputy McLoughlin have been raising it with me for some time. I am eager that the vacancy be advertised as quickly as possible in order that we can ensure the post is filled. I will speak to the HSE director general about it when I meet him later this week. I am sure the people of the north west will be interested to hear that a national review of cardiology services, which is ongoing and which is due to conclude this year, will guide us in terms of future investment in such services.