Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

When Deputy Reilly was in Tallaght yesterday, I do not know whether he met the incoming chief executive officer designate, Professor Conlon. If he did, I am sure Professor Conlon made him aware of his plans, particularly, but not exclusively, with regard to orthopaedics. Tallaght Hospital has 11 orthopaedic surgeons, which is a large number by any standard for any hospital. The waiting times to see one of them are unacceptably high and I have discussed this matter with Professor Conlon. I have confidence that he will deal with the issue.

I do not accept what the Deputy stated about the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It has published figures for the first time in recent years and we have verifiable and accurate figures on waiting times which show that only 477 people wait more than 12 months for a procedure. As far as I am concerned, that is 477 too many, but it has reduced and the number was 27,000 at one point. One must acknowledge that there has been major success.

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