Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Every month, the authorities report waiting times based on three-month intervals, making reference to those waiting for fewer than three months, those waiting for between three and six months, those waiting between six and nine months, and those waiting for between nine and 12 months or more. All the figures are very transparent for anybody who wants to see them. We have been very clear from day one that there would be difficulties in some subspecialties where there are no consultants or where there is no capacity. However, even if one leaves aside any targets or maxima, one notes the number of people waiting for an outpatient appointment, for example, is down by 5,776 since the start of the year. We will continue to invest additional resources so we can continue to lower the figures.

See this speech in context