John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 837: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason an appointment at Waterford Regional Hospital in the name of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny was cancelled on 11 January 2007; the reason a further appointment on 18 January 2007 at 8 a.m. was not honoured; the reason the person was allowed to wait all day for attention finally having to leave the hospital at 5 p.m. without any consultation or information; if a further and immediate appointment will now be made for them in view of the level of pain they are in; if this case can be dealt with under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if she will expedite the matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2225/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004 and funding for all health services has been provided as part of its overall vote. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular case raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

I would like to advise the Deputy that patients waiting more than three months on a surgical waiting list may qualify for treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund. It is open to the person in question, or anyone acting on his behalf, to contact the Fund directly for advice and assistance.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 838: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the immediate action she will take to produce services for attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder patients in Carlow and Kilkenny; if she will arrange for each of the patients (details supplied) to be seen privately with follow up treatment and care in view of the length of time each has been without support or proper medical care and services; if this urgent issue can be dealt with under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if she will insist that the Health Service Executive make contact with each family to assess their needs and inform them as to the long term plans of the HSE and the way they will be helped; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2226/07]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy, entitled 'A Vision for Change', was launched on 24th January 2006. It provides a framework for action to develop a modern, high quality mental health service over the next 7 to 10 years.

In 2006, a sum of €26.2 million was allocated for the development of mental health services in line with 'A Vision for Change'. A further sum of €25 million has been allocated in 2007 to continue this development. A significant amount of this year's funding — €7.95m — is for the development of child and adolescent psychiatric services. This funding will bring about significant improvements in community, hospital-based and early intervention services. Existing multi-disciplinary teams will be enhanced and new child and adolescent mental health teams developed.

Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Therefore, the Executive is the appropriate body to consider the particular matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) was established to expedite the provision of treatment for patients on public hospital waiting lists who have been waiting longest for surgery. I have no plans to expand the remit of the NTPF to the type of treatment referred to by the Deputy.