Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013
505. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on each waiting list to see each speciality at Temple Street Children's Hospital, Dublin 1; the average waiting time to see each speciality; the active steps being taken to reduce the waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33106/13]
View answerImproving access to outpatient services is a key priority for the Government. Collaborating with individual hospitals, the SDU, together with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and the HSE, has developed the outpatient waiting list minimum dataset. This allows data to be submitted to the NTPF from hospitals on a weekly basis and, for the first time, outpatient data is available on www.ntpf.ie. For 2013, a maximum waiting time target has been set of 12 months for a first time consultant-led outpatient appointment and this is reflected in the HSE service plan. The SDU and the NTPF will work closely with hospitals towards achievement of the maximum waiting time.
In relation to the particular queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in these matters.
