Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018
340. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for a cataract assessment in Cork University Hospital; the number of persons from County Kerry waiting for a cataract assessment; the number of persons waiting for a cataract operation in South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital; the number from County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6736/18]
View answerI acknowledge that waiting times for Ophthalmology patients are often unacceptably long and I am conscious of the impact of this on people's lives.
Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one this Government's key priorities. October's Budget announced a total 2018 allocation of €55m for the NTPF for 2018. This significant increase in funding more than doubles the 2017 total allocation of €20m. The NTPF and HSE are in the process of finalising Waiting List Action Plans and Initiatives for 2018. This will include ambitious targets for both the HSE and NTPF to reduce the overall number of patients waiting for treatment, including those patients awaiting Ophthalmology procedures.
I hope to publish the 2018 Inpatient Day Case Waiting List Action Plan at the end of February.
In response to the particular query raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
