Issue of vacant ophthalmologist post in Tipperary raised again in the Dail

An Independent TD for Tipperary South has raised the issue of filling the vacant consultant ophthalmologist post in South Tipperary, in a sitting of the Dail this week.

Deputy Seamus Healy raised his concerns with a Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Mary Butler. 

Deputy Healy said: "There has been no public eyecare service in south Tipperary for more than 12 months. The former permanent consultant, Dr Hillary, retired last September.

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"She provided a wonderful service for a long number of years. She gave more than adequate notice. Unfortunately, the HSE has failed to fill the vacancy and provide a vital service.

"There is now a huge waiting list, running into thousands, with hundreds of children on the list who have never been examined. The HSE advertised a permanent post on a temporary basis.

"Of course the post was not filled. Bizarrely, the HSE has readvertised the permanent post on a temporary basis. What is going on? Why has permanent post been advertised on a temporary basis on two occasions? When will we see a proper facility in operation again in south Tipperary?" asked the TD. 

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In response to Deputy Healy's query, Deputy Mary Butler responded saying "I thank the Deputy for the question. I am familiar with the issue as our constituencies border each other.

"It has been raised with me by people living in south Tipperary. I have been in contact with the new integrated health area manager in the HSE in relation to this. The Deputy is right. The waiting lists are increasing because of it.

"I met one of the employees when I happened to be out and about one day and she raised the issue with me. I will speak to the HSE locally in that area again. I will revert to the Deputy in writing, if that is okay," concluded Deputy Butler.