Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 157: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will seek an analysis from the Health Service Executive on the average timeframe taken to answer parliamentary questions; the way it is intended to reduce the time being taken; the regions to be used when furnishing replies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3360/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In 2006, a total of 3,494 Parliamentary Questions tabled were appropriate for reply, in whole or in part, by the Health Service Executive under its statutory remit. My Department has been informed by the Executive that replies have issued to 3,315 (over 94%) of these Questions, and that it is actively pursuing the preparation of replies to the remainder.

It is important that, within its own procedures, the HSE has in place rigorous arrangements to identify, and address, shortcomings in performance in this area. The Executive's Parliamentary Affairs Division handles the centralised receipt, assignment and tracking of parliamentary questions within the organisation's network of operations. Its core functions include monitoring performance in relation to the timely issue of replies and leading developments to effect improvements in that regard. It reports on a regular basis to the CEO and his Management Team.

Officials of my Department meet with the PAD on a monthly basis in relation to various matters, including performance in issuing replies and the development of capacity in this key area of accountability. The HSE responds to requests for information on a national, administrative area or local basis, as circumstances require.