I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 10, 23, 65, 104, 151 and 160 together.
The Third Report of the Dublin Hospital Initiative Group recommended measures specifically designed to achieve better management of waiting lists in acute hospitals in Dublin. These recommendations are of equal relevance to all acute hospitals in the country.
In December last, having considered the report, my predecessor asked that an immediate countrywide validation of waiting lists be carried out. I attach considerable importance to the validation exercise as I am particularly concerned to ensure that all hospital authorities should provide accurate, reliable and up-to-date information on in-patient waiting lists in order that action can be undertaken to tackle the most pressing problems in this area.
Waiting lists which are not routinely validated can give a distorted picture of the real demand for service. Studies have shown that a significant number of patients whose names are on waiting lists will not require treatment for a variety of reasons. They will have self-deferred, been admitted elsewhere, have moved house, or their condition may have improved.