Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Up to the end of November, there had been a 3% increase in outpatient attendances, as compared with the figure for 2013. This means that 98,000 more patients were seen. The reality in the health service is that the vast majority of patients are being seen. I agree with the Deputy that for anybody who has been waiting a lengthy period to be seen, it is distressing and that changes to their care treatment plan may be very difficult for them. I will take up the matter with the Minister for Health on the Deputy's behalf.

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