Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Some of my statistics are not exactly in the order the Deputy has asked for, but I will get the information for him from the HSE. The number of clients waiting for treatment at the end of 2018 was down to 523 from 700 in 2017. Of these, the number waiting for more than 26 weeks was 216. I will try to get the Deputy more information. I do not have information in my briefing on those under the age of 18 but I will get it for the Deputy.

At present, four dieticians work in County Mayo, with three other staff on extended leave, which has led to significant pressures. We now have two additional appointments, which will bring the number back to six. I am told the appointments are to be made shortly and I will get a specific timeframe for the Deputy. I will ask the HSE to revert to him on this and ask that it pays particular attention to the cohort aged under 18.

With regard to the other innovative developments that local staff have introduced in Mayo, which are to be welcomed, the opt-in letters are issued to those who have been waiting a long time to check whether they are still in need of the dietetic service in primary care. This makes better use of the dieticians' time. Web texts now issue approximately one to three days before an appointment reminding clients of the date, time and location of their clinic to help avoid issues of non-attendance. I pay tribute to the local HSE Mayo staff for these innovations.

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