Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Daly started where Senator Crown finished on the lack of transparency in the HSE. He also made serious charges about consultants operating on people without having their files. That should certainly be examined. As has been pointed out, Senator Daly's current party leader set up the HSE. Until 2012, no data were available on outpatient appointments and it was totally unmeasured. The previous Government preferred to live in denial of its failure to address the matter, and patients suffered as a consequence. This Government is putting patients at the centre of our reforms. We established the special delivery unit and, as a result, we have a clearer picture of the number waiting and how long people are waiting. The numbers and the length of time involved are unacceptable and must be tackled. That is exactly what is being done.

As regards manipulation of waiting list figures, as suggested by the Senator, the HSE has stated clearly that it has no knowledge of any memo that allegedly urges employees to do this. HSE policy is clear. All hospital managers are expected to efficiently manage waiting lists in chronological order, except where clinical need dictates that a patient needs to be prioritised. So far this year, the HSE has seen, diagnosed or treated 5% more patients at outpatient clinics than last year. It has also seen 10% more referrals to clinics. While huge progress is being made, there is more demand than supply for its services.