Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy that we need to do more about this issue, but I will give some figures, given the considerable commentary on the matter in recent months. We are making significant progress. In the 12-month period between April 2017 and April 2018, the total number fell from 10,304 patients waiting to 7,818, a decrease of more than 20%. On the length of time people have to wait, 744 were waiting for 18 months or longer, but that figure has decreased to 326. There were 950 waiting for 15 to 18 months, but that figure is down to 175. There were 1,297 waiting for 12 to 15 months, but that figure is down to 295. There were 1,468 people waiting for nine to 12 months, but that figure is down to 893. I am giving a commitment that, through our work and investment, we will ensure that by the end of the year no one will have to wait for a cataract procedure for longer than nine months.

The Deputy is right, in that we could do more on two fronts. First, we must ensure we are using all of the capacity within the acute hospital setting. That is why I am eager to do more in Nenagh. Second, we have started to roll out the primary care eye service review, albeit in the locations I mentioned, but I want to see it spread throughout the country.

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