Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2016
645. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is awaiting a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1106/16]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. If a patient's general practitioner considers that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he should contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
