Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 185: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 25 April 2006 remains unanswered by the Health Service Executive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30250/06]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 186: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of parliamentary questions submitted by this Deputy which remain unanswered by the Health Service Executive; the reason for any delay in providing replies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30251/06]

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 187: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of parliamentary questions submitted by Houses of the Oireachtas Members which remain unanswered for more that three weeks; the reasons for any delay in providing replies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30252/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 to 187, inclusive, together.

In the period January to July 06, a total of 3836 Parliamentary Questions were answered by me and the Ministers of State at my Department. Of this total, 2222 questions related, in whole or in part, to matters proper to the statutory remit of the HSE and were accordingly referred to the Executive for direct reply. The Executive has issued replies to 1990 of these Questions and is currently working to issue replies as soon as possible in the case of the remaining 232 Questions, 9 of which were asked by the Deputy.

The Executive endeavours to issue final replies to questions within 20 working days. I have been informed that for the period concerned 1,200 replies issued within this timeframe. The reasons for a delay in replying to questions may vary. For instance, questions can differ substantially in relation to the extent of the detail sought either in relation to a national service or in relation to a service over a period of years. In some cases the preparation of replies may involve decisions of a wider nature such as determining service priorities or resource allocation. I have been informed that the Executive's Parliamentary Affairs Division has been in touch with the Deputy's office to explain the reason for the delay and to confirm that a reply will issue shortly in relation to the particular question referred to by him.

I am aware that the HSE is actively addressing performance in this area. The measures being taken include the allocation of additional resources to the Executive's Parliamentary Affairs Division.