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

The NTPF has had a considerable increase in its budget. I believe its budget is now well over €100 million a year. It is tasked with buying healthcare and health services for patients, from both private and public hospitals, using additional capacity where it is available. I strongly encourage any public hospital and also consultants to make use of this budget and service. If a person is waiting for a scan, scope or investigation, the NTPF should be used because it means that he or she will get the test, appointment, investigation or operation her or she needs much sooner.

I do not know the details in respect of University Hospital Kerry. However, it would be a shame if that resource was not being used for the benefit of the people of Kerry, because that is what the money is for.

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