I want to raise again the fact that the people of south Tipperary have had no ophthalmology service - no eye service - for more than 12 months. Some 2,300 individuals are on the waiting list, including hundreds of children who have never been seen. Hundreds more are adults with glaucoma, who have either never been seen or are awaiting follow-up treatment and, in some cases, may be facing blindness. The HSE has advertised the permanent post on a temporary basis, making it difficult, if not impossible, to fill it, and so it has turned out. It has again advertised the permanent post on a temporary basis. Why has this happened? We cannot get an answer. Perhaps the Taoiseach can get one for us. The fear in south Tipperary is that the HSE plans to downgrade or transfer the service. When we will have a consultant-staffed service operating again in south Tipperary?

Deputy Michael Murphy has raised this with me a number of times. He has been a strong advocate for this. As Deputy Healy said, the position has been advertised. Unfortunately, it was not possible to fill it on the first occasion. I very much hope that it will be filled on the second occasion. We are committed to Tipperary and I would like to compliment-----

Why was it advertised on a temporary basis?

-----the excellent general manager there, Maria Barry, who is doing extraordinary work not just in terms of the trolleys but also in terms of waiting times. In regard to the scale of investment in terms of construction, I was there recently to see the excellent work being done by the general manager and HSE Estates.

A Cheann Comhairle, we are talking about the health service.

Deputy Healy, please take your seat.

It is very strong. As the Deputy is aware, a new inpatient ward block is happening. There is an emergency department upgrade.

It is an absolutely excellent hospital. I worked there for 21 years.

Resume your seat, Deputy Healy.

I would not like the Deputy to create any impression locally or anywhere else but that there is anything but the best of commitment to that hospital and my highest compliments go to the manager.

I made sure it was not transferred.

I call Deputy Aidan Farrelly.

A Cheann Comhairle, that is not an acceptable answer.

I am sorry you do not like it, but I cannot command an answer, Deputy.

Maybe the Taoiseach would get an answer for us.

Deputy Healy can take that up with the Minister. I call Deputy Farrelly.