Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 254: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo is unable to have an emergency amputation to treat rampant gangrene of the leg; her views on whether this is acceptable; the steps she will take to resolve the situation; if she will restore 3,000 beds taken out of the system in recent years; if she will provide the extra beds needed for the needs of 500,000 people; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10608/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. As the person in question resides in County Mayo, my Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's western area to investigate the matter raised and to reply directly to the Deputy.

The health strategy contains a commitment that a total of 3,000 acute beds will be added to the system over ten years. In this context, funding has been provided for an additional 900 beds in acute hospitals throughout the country, 713 of which were in place at the end of the first quarter of 2005. It is envisaged that the remaining 187 beds will open before the end of 2005.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 255: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps that are being taken to improve capacity at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, in respect of cataract operations; and the reason the earliest date a person (details supplied) in Dublin 11 can be offered an appointment is February 2006. [10609/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Act 2004 provided for the Health Service Executive, which was established on 1 January 2005. Under the Act, the executive has the responsibility to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Services at the Mater Hospital are provided under an arrangement with the executive. My Department has requested the chief officer for the executive's eastern regional area to examine the issues raised and to reply to the Deputy directly.

Cases such as these would be advised to contact the national treatment purchase fund when the patient has already waited more than six months, or in some cases, more than three months, for a procedure.