Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Nov 1997

Vol. 483 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Paul McGrath

Question:

222 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of children on waiting lists for throat and tonsil operations in the Midland Health Board area; the waiting time for this treatment; and the proposals, if any, he has to reduce this waiting time. [20405/97]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table for the period ending 30 September 1997.

	3-6 Months	Over 6 Months	Total
ENT	81	352	433

I would like to assure the Deputy that I am committed to taking all possible steps to reduce waiting lists and waiting times for patients. In 1997 the Government allocated £8 million towards the cost of waiting list work and I am confident that this money will have a positive impact on waiting lists by the end of the year.

I will shortly be notifying health boards and hospitals of revised arrangements for implementing the waiting list initiative in 1998.