Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 745: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm receipt of correspondence from a person (details supplied) in Cork outlining their serious health difficulties; if her attention has been drawn to the fact that this person has lost 70 per cent of finger movement while waiting for an urgent operation; if this operation will be carried out under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29429/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I have seen the letter from the person referred to by the Deputy. I have considerable sympathy for his situation. Clearly the scheduling of his treatment is a matter of independent clinical decision-making and prioritisation. I would hope that on continuing evaluation, it will prove possible for his treatment to be scheduled and carried out in Ireland.

I note from the letter that the person is attending a Consultant for his condition as a private patient and has been advised by the National Treatment Purchase Fund that it caters only for public patients. I would suggest that the person should seek an early appointment with his Consultant to see if his treatment can be expedited.