Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2014
168. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure funding is provided to allow bariatric surgery at the centres that provide it; the plans that are under way to clear the waiting lists for this treatment; when he expects to meet the target of a maximum of a one-year waiting list for this surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26388/14]
View answer169. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health from a policy perspective if his Department or the Health Service Executive takes account of the medium and long-term savings that accrue to the health service from the short-term costs of bariatric surgery for morbidly obese patients due to the savings that accrue from not having to treat heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung diseases and gangrenous legs, among many conditions, in the medium and long-term that are prevented by this treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26389/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
In relation to the detailed queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
