Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007
252 Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason that a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been waiting over a year for a further operation; the reason they have to wait for Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda to operate on them; the reason they cannot have the operation at Castlebar Hospital; and if she will intervene urgently to secure an operation for them. [22428/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraOperational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall Vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this case investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.
Patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question or anyone acting on their behalf to contact the Fund directly in relation to their case.
