Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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It has been suggested that the NTPF reviews itself. As the Minister with responsibility for appointing the independent non-executive board of the NTPF, I think we need to be careful not to impugn the professionalism and expertise of the people on that board when we make comments. I do not suggest that the Deputy has done so. The board of the NTPF, which is the structure through which the NTPF is analysed and monitored, is appointed by the Minister of the day. I think it is quite a robust reporting structure. I have met the chairman of the board and other members of the board on three occasions in the ten-month period since I became Minister. The Department of Health is liaising closely with the NTPF, which is a statutory agency of the Department. I have made my point about the board of the NTPF. I apologise if I picked up the question wrongly.

Regarding the Deputy's suggestion about the waiting list system, I endeavoured to deal with this matter constructively in the Seanad last week.