Hospital Appointments Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 September 2023

Wednesday, 27 September 2023

Questions (137)

Martin Browne

Question:

137. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if the numerous referrals issued by GPs in the case of a person (details supplied) are being given adequate priority given their recurrent tonsillitis; his views on the fact that no appointment date has been given to the patient, despite a number of referral letters indicating the persistent and painful nature of their tonsillitis being issued to the hospital concerned; and his views on how the family concerned is faced with the prospect of having to avail of a private service in order to have the child's tonsillectomy carried out. [41753/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under 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.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.