Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 May 2010
161 Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health and Children if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 143 of 16 June 2009, she will provide the corresponding figures for 2009; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22217/10]
View answerThe HSE is taking a number of steps to improve the delivery of out-patient services. The Executive has been engaged in a significant exercise with the objective of validating public out-patient lists and streamlining the processes for access to and management of appointments. The Executive's 2010 National Service Plan specifies targets which include increasing the number of new patients seen by every consultant each month and improving the ratio of new to return attendances at out-patient departments.
I wish to advise the Deputy that, due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive, it is not possible for the Executive to supply the detailed information requested. If these matters remain of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise them with me again in due course.
