Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 29 Apr 1999

Vol. 504 No. 1

Written Answers. - Hospital Waiting Lists.

Michael Ring

Ceist:

65 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason for the delay of the Western Health Board replying to Parliamentary Question No. 377 of 23 March 1999 in relation to a hip operation in view of the fact the current situation is unsatisfactory; his views on whether the length of time it took to issue replies (details supplied) to two questions is reasonable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11218/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

Under the customer service action plan 1998-99 my Department undertakes where possible to provide a reply to written correspondence within 20 working days. I understand from the Western Health Board that it also endeavours to achieve these standards in relation to correspondence of the nature referred to by the Deputy. I note that in this instance this standard was achieved.