Vol. 505 No. 3
189 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9 will not receive an essential appointment before June 2000 in view of the target set that waiting times for children would not exceed six months; the steps, if any, he is taking to address this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13765/99]
Since taking office, I am acutely aware of the importance of reducing waiting lists and waiting times, particularly for children. To this end, my Department has allocated £20 million in 1999 to agencies for the provision of treatment to patients on waiting lists. A new policy circular and guidelines have also issued to each hospital dealing with waiting lists advising them of updated procedures in relation to the waiting list initiative. I am confident that the additional funding and revised arrangements for the management of waiting lists will have a significant impact on waiting lists and, more importantly, waiting times this year.
With regard to this patient, the Deputy will be aware that the determination of in-patient appointments is a matter for the hospital authorities in the first instance, based on clinical assessment of need. I have asked the secretary-manager of Temple Street hospital to investigate the position in this case and, given the particular circumstances, I have requested that he reply to the Deputy directly, as a matter of urgency.
