James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the status of funding in the National Treatment Purchase Fund; if the fund is adequately resourced to meet the demand from patients for operations and procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26682/07]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has received the following levels of funding since its establishment as a statutory body in 2002:

2002: €5m.

2003: €30m. Increase of 600% on 2002

2004: €44m. Increase of 47% on 2003

2005: €64m. Increase of 44.5% on 2004

2006: €78m. Increase of 22% on 2005

2007: €88.5m. Increase of 13.5% on 2006

Increasing public awareness of the NTPF has led to a year on year rise in demand for the service it offers. The numbers of persons treated have risen in line with demand. In 2002, the NTPF arranged treatment for 1,920 persons. At this stage in 2007, the Fund has treated over 75,000 persons.

I am satisfied that the NTPF is adequately resourced for the levels of service it is providing in accordance with its service plan for this year. Its funding requirements and activity levels are kept under constant review by my Department.