Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would be glad to see an improvement in the delivery of both assessments and follow-up procedures where they are necessary. People come to all of us on a weekly basis who are obviously in pain and suffering but who are still waiting on an assessment and follow-up procedure. They are often told that the procedure could be carried out without delay if they were private patients. I welcome the Minister's commitment to make additional funding available to hospitals in the north east with orthopaedic capacity. I sincerely hope that proposals that are put forward are acted upon and additional services and capacity are put in place in early 2020. I do not want to talk this time next year about funding having been provided but not yet drawn down or allocated. I would like an assurance that when hospitals put forward realistic and viable proposals, they will meet with a quick response and that additional capacity will be put in place. Many patients, some of whom may be listening to us, are suffering and in pain. They are often older persons whose mobility is damaged as well. It is important that we address this particular issue as rapidly as possible.

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