Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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360. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if he will ensure that there will be no further delay and surgery will go ahead as currently scheduled in order that there is no further deterioration in the person's condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32964/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. I understand that there are capacity challenges at Temple St hospital contributing to cancellations. I trust that the hospital will endeavour to avoid further cancellations for this patient, however in relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.