Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 February 2024
38. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years who are on NTPF treatment waiting lists; and the number of these who are waiting for over 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9504/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for many scheduled appointments and procedures are too long and continue to be impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care.
The 2023 Waiting List Action Plan built on the foundational work done in previous plans, achieving significant progress in relation to waiting lists, including advancements made on overall waiting list reduction for the second year in a row, and progress made in addressing long waiting times.
The Department of Health is working with the HSE and the NTPF to finalise both the End of Year Report against the 2023 WLAP as well as the new WLAP 2024, which will take account of learnings from 2023 as well as the funding envelope provided for 2024.
In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, the attached information, provided to my Department by the NTPF provides the number of children under 18 years who are on NTPF treatment waiting lists, and the number of these who are waiting for over 12 months.
