Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health the measures that have been taken to tackle in-patient waiting lists for children in Sligo General Hospital; the impact of these measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14302/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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At the end of February 2011, four children were waiting more than a year for an inpatient procedure in Sligo General Hospital. Waiting lists in excess of a year for inpatient procedures for children have now been eliminated in Sligo General Hospital. At the end of February 2011, 11 children were waiting more than nine months for an inpatient procedure in Sligo General Hospital. Waiting lists in excess of nine months for inpatient procedures for children have now been eliminated in Sligo General Hospital. At the end of February 2011, 18 children were waiting over six months for an inpatient procedure in Sligo General Hospital. Currently, only one child is waiting longer than six months for an inpatient procedure in Sligo General Hospital.

This reduction in waiting lists for inpatient procedures for children is mirrored throughout the country. At the end of February 2011, 169 children were waiting over a year for an inpatient procedure. Currently, ten children are waiting this length of time. This waiting list has been reduced by 94% since this Government took office. At the end of February 2011, 372 children were waiting more than nine months for an inpatient procedure. Currently, 26 children are waiting this length of time. This waiting list has been reduced by 93% since this Government took office. At the end of February 2011, 634 children were waiting more than six months for an inpatient procedure. Currently, 82 children are waiting this length of time. This waiting list has been reduced by 87% since this Government took office. As a result of these improvements, there are now 333 fewer children waiting for inpatient procedures.

I am determined that the progress made in 2012 will be maintained and improved upon and that the 20 week target will remain in place for 2013. It is important to recognise that the progress made in 2012 does not mean the problem is solved. The year 2013 will be extremely challenging. For example, winter pressures have impacted on scheduled care waiting times for children. However, in the coming months, as winter pressures ease, the special delivery unit, SDU, will work towards re-balancing scheduled care to maintain the improvements seen in 2012.

I take this opportunity to again thank the men and women on the front line in our health services for their extraordinary efforts in improving outcomes for patients and providing a better service.

Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the Minister's positive reply. It is hoped the positive trend will continue. Government policies over the past two years have resulted in a reduction in hospital waiting lists. I concur with the Minister's remarks in relation to front-line staff, who must be given recognition for their work in our hospitals, in particular staff at Sligo General Hospital. The situation as outlined by the Minister is encouraging. I know this positive trend will continue over the next number of years.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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When will the second consultant neurologist, promised nine months ago, be appointed to Sligo General Hospital? Also, as promised by the Minister prior to the general election in 2011, when will mammography services at Sligo General Hospital be restored?

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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On the latter question, mammography services will be restored as soon as we can locate mammographers, of whom there is a huge shortage. I remain committed to restoration of that service. Discussions are being held on the re-opening of a discontinued internal training programme to ensure training of more mammographers, of which there is genuinely a shortage and who, when a need is identified for them, are inclined to be taken up by the acute services, which is only right because it is important the most acutely ill be taken care of first. However, this impacts on the service in Sligo General Hospital, which I want to see restored and have given a commitment to this effect.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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When will a consultant neurologist be appointed to Sligo General Hospital?

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I will communicate in writing with the Deputy on that matter.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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That was a very helpful Question Time session.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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Accountability my eye.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is a disgrace.