873. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Health for an update on the discussions undertaken by the HSE with a private provider regarding ophthalmology services for south Tipperary; whether the scoping exercise referred to in replies to Dáil Éireann has been completed; the findings of that exercise; whether any contractual arrangements have been entered into; the anticipated cost of any such arrangements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49360/26]

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.