Seamus Kirk
Question:683 Mr. Kirk asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of cataract operations carried out by arrangements with his Department outside the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1917/01]
Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.
The North Eastern and the North Western Health Boards have referred patients outside the state for ophthalmology services. This follows from additional funding which I allocated to these agencies in May 2000 in order to enable them to reduce waiting lists. I understand from the North Eastern Health Board that a total of 208 cataract procedures were performed during the period August to December 2000 on patients referred by the board. The North Western Health Board has informed me that they referred 61 patients outside the state for cataract operations for the year 2000.
Question No. 684 answered with Question No. 529.