Vol. 508 No. 1
495 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has had investigations made into the long delays in appointments for eye problems, identified in school assessments, on the northside of Dublin; and if he will make arrangements to increase the capacity of Temple Street hospital to respond to this need. [17894/99]
I have had inquiries made of the Children's Hospital, Temple Street, regarding this matter. The hospital have confirmed there are two consultant opthalmologists working in the hospital. They are supported by two orthoptists and two specialist ophthalmic nurses, who also organise clinics and assist in theatre. The hospital has recently submitted an application to my Department structure a third consultant ophthalmologist post.
Since coming into office, I am acutely aware of the importance of reducing waiting lists and waiting times, particularly for children. To this end my Department has allocated £150,000 in 1999 to Temple Street Hospital under the waiting list initiative for the provision of treatment to children on waiting lists. The current waiting period for an outpatient appointment is 13 months. There are currently a total of 72 children on the daycare waiting list and 56 on the inpatient waiting list at Temple Street. Patients are chosen for treatment under the waiting list initiative based on clinical priority.
