Mr. Ger Reaney:

We hope or intend that nobody should have to wait longer than 12 months. The only caveat in that regard that is the issue of consultant vacancies. As I said, we have short, medium and more long-term measures to put in place a resilience such that even in the event of somebody retiring or being sick we would be able to minimise the impact on those waiting for a long time. As regards homelessness, I earlier neglected to say that we are putting in place an additional homelessness consultant who will work in Kerry and Cork and provide an outreach service in Kerry.

The health funding provided to agencies such as the Simon Community has not kept pace with the increase in homelessness. Although the Government has a significant programme in terms of housing, it is a challenge for all of us to keep the health aspect properly funded. We are working with Cuan Mhuire on an initiative there which we shortly hope to bring to fruition.