Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This is part of the overall reform that is very much at the heart of Sláintecare, namely, changing where certain people are treated and giving them appointments closer to home.

Deputy Murphy O'Mahony spoke about letters to patients. That is part of the central validation process whereby it is necessary to write to people to ask if they are still waiting for appointments, if they are still want them or if they no longer need them. The letters to the GPs have to be issued. This is because, having been informed of initial dates for appointments, they must be apprised of the up-to-date position.