Ms Rachel Morrogh:

The Deputy asked what could be done now. There are examples of great innovation happening and if we look at what is happening in the area of endoscopy there is an opportunity to try out the list that exists at the moment as well just to ensure that those people who require the most urgent care are getting it. There is a plan to supply fit tests to routine patients. As was outlined earlier, the waiting list is extremely long. People have been waiting considerable periods. That would help prioritise the patients.

Other aspects of endoscopy have not been funded, such as advanced nurse practitioners who could play a key role in this. There are also a number of capital projects. Dr. McCauley mentioned that Letterkenny is on the list of capital projects. It is really important that those get funding. It is an opportunity for innovation but those examples of innovation also need to have a sustainable funding footing to ensure they can have the impact that they should.