Vol. 511 No. 1
109 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Health and Children the proposals, if any, he has for the appointment of additional consultant nephologists given the predicted increase in renal failure; and the steps, if any, he proposes to take to reduce the waiting list for vascular surgery. [23804/99]
141 Mr. Bradford asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will respond favourably to the request of the Irish Kidney Association for an improved level of service for those seeking or undergoing renal therapy treatment. [23858/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 141 together.
On the occasion of the publication of the spending Estimates for 2000 last week, I announced the allocation of £3 million revenue funding and £3 million capital funding next year for the commencement of a programme for the development of renal dialysis services. This programme, which I hope will be completed over three years at an estimated total cost of £20 million, will be aimed at achieving a structured enhancement of the capacity of the system to meet existing and anticipated growth in demand for renal services over the coming years. It will ensure the equitable availability of treatment choices for dialysis patients thoughout the country. Next year's investment will be primarily directed at addressing immediate requirements that are apparent from my Department's review of services in the area. In tandem with this, my Department will be engaging in further detailed consultations with all relevant interests and further examining the epidemiology of end-stage renal failure with a view to informing the most effective investment of further resources in subsequent years.
In relation to the waiting list for vascular surgery, I have since coming into office taken an integrated approach to tackling the overall problem that is involved. As the Deputy will be aware, I commissioned a review of the waiting list initiative. I am now implementing a series of measures aimed at tackling the root causes of waiting lists. I allocated £20 million this year to agencies specifically to undertake waiting list work, with £3 million of this funding being allocated to the agencies who achieved the greatest improvements in their waiting lists in the first quarter of the year. This was in line with the recommendations of the review group report. I am confident that the measures I have taken in tackling waiting lists represents the best way of addressing the underlying causes of waiting lists and long waiting times.
