Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
871. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the high waiting list for ENT assessments in County Cork; if the replacement consultant has been appointed following the recent retirement of the previous consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15854/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is acknowledged that waiting times are often unacceptably long and that this places a burden on both patients and their families. Consequently, last October's Budget announced a total 2018 allocation of €55 million for the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) for 2018 which more than doubles its 2017 total allocation which was €20 million. This significant increase in funding reflects the fact that reducing waiting times for patients is one of this Government's key priorities.
In order to reduce the numbers of long-waiting patients, Minister Harris has asked the HSE, in conjunction with the NTPF, to develop Waiting List Action Plans for 2018 in the areas of Inpatient/Daycase and Outpatient Services which will set out ambitious targets for both the HSE and NTPF to reduce the overall number of patients waiting for treatment.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
