Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am afraid I cannot comment on the individual case, but if what the Deputy says is correct - I have no reason to believe it is not - I am obviously sorry to hear that this patient has been asked to wait for so long. Sometimes, it is possible to get a more urgent appointment, particularly if that request comes in from her GP or from another doctor.

We have discussed this issue many times in the past. I have pointed out how, in Northern Ireland, many more people per head of population are waiting much longer, so we know Sinn Féin's record in health, Michelle O'Neill having been the last Minister of Health. We know that Sinn Féin has not delivered on health. Given the much worse situation when it comes to waiting lists in Northern Ireland, no one would possibly believe that Sinn Féin could do a better job.

However, there are areas where we are making some progress, particularly when it comes to people who are waiting for an operation or a procedure.

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