I propose to take Questions Nos. 236 to 240, inclusive, together.
Improving access to outpatient services is a key priority for the Government. For 2013, a maximum waiting time target has now been set of 12 months for a first time outpatient appointment. The National Treatment Purchase Fund has now taken over the reporting of outpatient waiting time data and, for the first time data is available on www.ntpf.ie. The collation and analysis of outpatient waiting time data in a standardised format will reveal the distribution of long waiters across all hospitals enabling resources to be targeted appropriately. In parallel, the SDU is working with the HSE Clinical Programmes to reform the structure, organisation and delivery of outpatient services to ensure that the right patient is seen and assessed by the right health professional at the right time.
In relation to the specific queries regarding orthopaedic services in Cork, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to these matters.