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

That is of no consolation to the individual who needs a particular operation. Having improved waiting times for scheduled or planned care for patients is a priority. Action was taken by the former Minister, Deputy Leo Varadkar, to deal with the matter. Among the initiatives taken by him were the provisiln of an extra €51 million in 2015 to reduce maximum waiting times. It was an important initiative. The end of 2015 result showed a 95% improvement in inpatient and day case waiting lists and an improvement of 93% in outpatient waiting lists. The extra money invested has helped to improve and reduce waiting times and it is important that we recognise this progress. We are committed to dealing with the issue and, as resources become available, they will be invested to reduce waiting times.

The Deputy asked about home care packages. Although there was a cap for a period, funding was increased in recent years as resources allowed and the economy recovered. We all recognise the major importance of developing investment and being able to provide for further investment in home care packages. I hope the decision the HSE took yesterday to reduce the cost of prescription medicines will release some resources that can be invested in services such as home care packages.

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