To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety why there are no longer any paediatric neuromuscular specialise clinics in Northern Ireland.

The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is responsible for a range of specialised paediatric neurology and neurodisability services, including a multidisciplinary neuromuscular clinic, provided at Belfast City Hospital.

Staffing pressures within the Trust have affected the availability of consultant paediatric neurologists and subsequently the ability to sustain the neuromuscular clinic. Regular clinics have not been held since beginning of September 2008.

Recruitment of an additional paediatric neurologist is underway and interviews are scheduled for 1st December 2008. It is anticipated that the successful applicant will take up post by 1st April 2009.

In the short term, the Trust is currently working to develop interim arrangements to ensure that children who would normally attend the neuromuscular clinic have their needs appropriately met.