Vol. 478 No. 6
76 Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will have an angiogram in University College Hospital, Galway, in view of the fact that he was told in June 1996 that he would be called within six weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11787/97]
Limerick East): As the provision of cardiac treatment to eligible persons in County Galway is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board, in the first instance, I have asked the chief executive officer of the Western Health Board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to forward a report to the Deputy as a matter of urgency.
77 Mr. Morley asked the Minister for Health the funding which has been allocated to each health board in respect of the waiting list initiative for this financial year; and when he will notify each health board. [11788/97]
Limerick East): I am happy to inform the Deputy that £8 million has been made available in 1997 to address the problem of long waiting times for elective surgery. The funding provided in 1997 brings to £58 million the total resources committed to the reduction of hospital waiting lists since the current initiative commenced in 1993. My Department will be holding detailed discussions with health agencies in the coming weeks on the allocation of this funding.
78 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Health the reason for the cancellation of angiogram procedures in the Mater Hospital, Dublin 7, in view of the fact that the hospital authorities claim it is due to failure to get financial resources from his Department; and when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 will be attended to. [11861/97]
Limerick East): Even though the budget to the Mater Hospital, at approximately £57 million, is significant, it is still necessary to agree priorities and allocate resources accordingly. Earlier this year my Department and the Mater Hospital agreed a budgetary strategy and level of activity for 1997. I provided sufficient funding to enable the Mater Hospital to provide the agreed quantum of work and the hospital has adhered to this plan.
Angioplasty and stenting are the subject of further ongoing discussions between my Department and the hospital. However, the hospital has received significant additional funding of approximately £1.4 million over the last two years for cardiology services, including angiogplasty and stenting procedures.
I understand from the Mater Hospital that the person referred to by the Deputy is scheduled for an angiogram on 2 May 1997.
