Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Can the Minister confirm that the Hayes report addressed the unopened referrals issue and not just the X-ray situation at Tallaght Hospital? This is not clear from her response.

Aside from the processing of the individual letters concerned, what steps have been taken to ensure that there will be no recurrence? Has there been any investigation on whether a similar backlog of referrals has taken place at any other hospital across the State? Can the Minister assure the House that this is not the case? Vacancies are not being filled due to the current recruitment embargo and there is a growing strain on clerical supports at a number of hospitals? Clerical administration is suffering as a consequence.

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