Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 104: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the Government's failure to develop a coherent strategy for outpatient waiting lists with special regard to rheumatology, neurology, urology, orthopaedic and dermatology waiting lists will be addressed; her views on whether this urgently needs to be addressed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35128/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The management of outpatient waiting lists is, in the first instance, a matter for the National Hospitals Office and the individual hospitals concerned. However, earlier this year I asked the National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, to examine the position with a view to further assessing the needs of patients waiting longest on outpatient waiting lists and the most appropriate clinical pathways and protocols required for their care.

As a result the NTPF set up a number of pilot projects around the country. The intention is that the longest waiters in a number of specialties will receive consultations at outpatient level in private hospitals. It is envisaged that between 4,000 to 5,000 patients will have outpatient appointments arranged for them. Monitoring and evaluation arrangements will be put in place by the NTPF in order to assess the outcome of the out-patient pilot projects. I understand that the pilot projects are well under way and I expect to receive a report from the NTPF in due course.

Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Question 105: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of people awaiting neurosurgery in Beaumont Hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35402/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Responsibility for the collection and reporting of waiting lists and waiting times now falls within the remit of the National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF. My Department has, therefore, asked the chief executive of the NTPF to reply to the Deputy directly with the information requested.