Vol. 449 No. 7
103 Mr. Bree asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on out-patient waiting lists in the North-Western Health Board area; the number of these who have been waiting for over 12 months; the number of these who have been waiting for over two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4331/95]
Limerick East): As at 31 January 1995, the total number of persons in the North-Western Health Board area on out-patient waiting lists was 9,397. Information relating to approximately waiting times is not routinely collected by my Department.
In the context of the waiting list initiative for 1995, the Government has made £8 million available in order to allow health boards and hospitals to reduce waiting times and this will have an impact on the length of time people spend on out-patient waiting lists. Discussion will shortly take place between my Department and the North-Western Board on the board's priorities in this area.
