Question from Deputy Ged Nash - PQ 62145-25

To ask the Minister for Health the reason a multi-disciplinary team to carry out bariatric surgery at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, is not currently in place as planned; when such a team will be in place as per previous plans; when the necessary posts will be filled; the number of patients which were due to receive care directly on the surgical waiting list when it was initially anticipated that this team would be in place; the number of patients from general surgery, endocrine and other 'feeder' clinics which are awaiting admission to this surgical list as priority patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter.