I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 129, inclusive, together.
In 2003 the national treatment purchase fund, NTPF, arranged treatment for 7,832 patients. My Department has been informed by the NTPF the total number treated in 2004 is expected to be approximately 13,000. The NTPF has estimated that based on its increased allocation of €64 million for 2005 it expects to arrange treatment for some 17,000 patients.
My Department has asked the chief executive of the NTPF to reply directly to the Deputy in regard to the position regarding the specific information requested on adult and paediatric waiting lists and the referrals to the NTPF from the Dublin hospitals.