Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Micheál Martin raised the issue of waiting lists. In the programme for Government there is a very strong commitment to making a sustained effort to improve waiting times for patients, with a particular focus on those who have been waiting the longest. The Deputy mentioned the National Treatment Purchase Fund, in which he has a particular interest. There is a commitment to deliver €50 million in 2017 to address waiting lists. The Department is also engaging with the National Treatment Purchase Fund and the HSE in planning a dedicated waiting list initiative which will be rolled out this year. It will be of some benefit to those who have been waiting the longest and will be targeted. Over 60% of patients on waiting lists wait less than six months for their required care, while 94% wait less than the maximum waiting time of 15 months.

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