Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Minister outlined that the NTPF performs a range of functions. It might, but not one of those addresses in any meaningful or long-term way our hospital waiting lists. I would not ask the Minister to take my word for it. Dr. Sara Burke confirmed it to the Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Healthcare when she addressed us. It is counter-intuitive to suggest pumping money into the private sector will magically have an impact on the public sector in any long-term or meaningful way. The Minister said he would target the longest waits and specific procedures. I struggle to understand how it will be done, given the conversation we have just had on the number of unknown individuals on our waiting list and the fact that we do not necessarily have clear sight of who is waiting for what procedures. If the Minister could give us some details on it, I would appreciate it.

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