Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
1140. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views in regard to the fact that a person (details supplied) has been told by the Mater Hospital that they will have to wait 16 months for laser eye surgery, particularly in view of Government statements regarding the commitment to reduce waiting times for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24943/16]
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 is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient’s general practitioner consider the patient’s condition warrants and 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 you directly.
