Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 May 2004
279 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children if there is an estimated figure for the number of patients waiting for an appointment with a hospital consultant; if so, how the figures were compiled; and if the national treatment purchase fund will assume responsibility for the collation of the data. [13494/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department does not collect or collate information on patients waiting for such appointments. It is focused on reducing waiting times for patients requiring a procedure or treatment. Recently I announced the transfer of responsibility for the recording and publishing of waiting lists to the fund. It is envisaged that it will record waiting lists on this basis.
