Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Noel Ahern

Question:

209 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 132 and 134 of 11 May 2000 in relation to hospital admission lists and outpatients waiting lists, there are similar statistics available for our EU partners; if so, if these can be quoted; if a ranking list for both categories of the various countries can be given; the conclusions, if any, which can be drawn from these figures in relation to the optimum health system which can or is being provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14436/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I am not aware of the availability of comparative EU statistics for hospital waiting lists. Such comparisons would be difficult to draw in view of differing definitions, criteria for placement on a waiting list, prioritisation protocols and overall models of health care across the member states. The OECD does compile comparative statistics on health spending and health systems across its 29 member states but does not include hospital waiting lists in its analysis.