Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 277: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the action she is taking to provide a flexible system to meet the needs of patients with lifelong conditions who have to obtain emergency meetings their consultants when the need arises; if she has considered establishing a protocol for such situations in all public hospitals to force consultants or members of their teams to meet with patients in such a category as the need arises; the current waiting list for out patients to see consultants in respect of lifelong conditions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10798/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The management of chronic conditions is a matter for decision by the doctor or doctors treating the individual patient. With regard to the treatment arrangements and support services in place for persons with chronic conditions 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. My Department has therefore requested the director of the national hospitals office to reply directly to the Deputy on the matters raised.