Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the removal of patients from waiting lists, patients can be removed as part of the HSE waiting list validation protocol. GPs and consultants are informed if the patient has been removed from the list and, if the GP or consultant considers the patient should be reinstated, this is done.

In 2013, a total of 500,000 people did not attend outpatient visits. The estimated cost of each unused slot is in the region of €200 or €300 depending on the specialty concerned. This accounts for the time of nurses and doctors as well as the preparation and administrative time in advance of the visit. It is a serious point. Let us think of all the patients who could be seen in these slots.

The HSE is working to reduce waiting lists. Availability, reminders and clinical need for appointment after waiting a period of time dictate the need for validation and verification of the list. Some 500,000 people not attending the slots given to them is causing a major problem and must be addressed. There should be a nationwide campaign and information on it. People should be reminded that if they are not taking up their slots, they should notify the consultant and the hospital well in advance to allow consultants and hospitals to add other people to the slots. This should be addressed urgently and can help the waiting list problem.

Senator Bacik referred to the objective and transparent appointments to State boards and the many reforms the Government has introduced in the past number of years.

Senator Ivana Bacik called for a debate on the democratic reform process. I will ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, to come to the House to address the matter.

Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell and several other Senators commented on the banks choking the system for mortgage lending and through a lack of credit for businesses. She suggested there was a need for a further debate on banking. We have had several debates on the issue, but it is perhaps six to eight months since we last debated it. I will, therefore, try to arrange a further debate on the issue.

Senator Pat O'Neill commented on the European Commission and suggested we invite various European Commissioners to address the House.

Senator Thomas Byrne raised an issue that had been raised on several occasions last week and the previous week, that is, the increase in registration fees for nurses. Perhaps he might table an Adjournment matter to discuss it.

As I look around the Chamber, I am replying to Members as much as I can. I am trying to skip those Members who are not here but who did ask questions. Clearly, I may miss out on some of them.

Senator Sean D. Barrett raised the question of the Central Bank's position on requiring a 20% deposit and limiting loans to a maximum of three and a half times total income. He mentioned that this issue had been raised in the House several years ago. Senator Marc MacSharry disagrees with the Senator on requiring a 20% deposit and takes the view that it should not be introduced.

Senator Marie Moloney made several points about the banks, as well as raising the possibility of the reintroduction of grants for first-time buyers. We will have to wait for the budget next week to see if anything will be announced in that regard.

Senator Sean D. Barrett condemned the attacks on Orange Order halls, which were despicable. All right-thinking people will agree that they are absolutely outrageous and an attempt to raise tensions within both communities in Northern Ireland.

Senator Jim D'Arcy commented on the issue of safety on farms and outlined that there had been 25 fatalities. This matter was raised last week by Senator Martin Conway who requested that the Seanad Public Consultation Committee consider it when it next met. I have written to the Leas-Chathaoirelach to ask that we have it as a matter to be discussed by the committee.

Senator Terry Leyden commented on the issue of petrol stretching. The matter has been raised in the House on at least four or five occasions in recent weeks. It is an outrageous practice. The Senator referred to the fact that good quality diesel or petrol should be put up for sale by reputable garages.