Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The recently published European health index, which is a consumer index for 2014, gives a very poor impression of our health service. We are ranked 21 but in 2013, we were ranked 14. We have dramatically fallen back seven places in those 12 months. This index is compiled from combination of statistics, including patient polls and a general survey carried out across European countries. We must take cognisance of this survey, which is certainly a wake-up call. Appropriate action must be taken to halt this downward slide and to ensure we come back up to our former rating in 2013. That is something we must achieve over the coming months. We must rectify this matter before the next poll is carried out.

The report also pointed out that our waiting list data were lacking credibility. This research is based on data from patient organisations because the data were found to be much more credible and accurate.

Health care inequity is also very evident. Public patients are often on never-ending waiting lists to be seen by consultants. Their cases are often deemed to be routine, although according to their GPs, they might be deemed otherwise. In most cases, a more urgent referral is required. Eventually when they are seen by a consultant, it is only then that they are placed on a waiting list as such. This is certainly very unfair treatment and it is unacceptable for our vulnerable population and those who cannot afford to access the health services directly. The fact is that when people eventually get a hospital bed, they are treated very well.

According to recently disclosed figures from the HSE, 382,000 people were on waiting lists at the end of the year while 55,733 of those were on waiting lists for more than 12 months. What appropriate action is the Tánaiste along with the Minister for Health and the Cabinet taking?

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