Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the length of time people are waiting for assessment and then for treatment in audiology in South Tipperary; the number of staff employed in this service in the area; if the vacancies for audiologists in the area have been filled; if not, when they will be; and if the National Treatment Purchase Fund will be used for people who are waiting for up to two years on this waiting list. [27843/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the funding, management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.

With regard to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF), the position is that the fund was established to arrange treatment for patients who have been waiting longest on surgical in-patient lists. Under the provision of its establishment order, the NTPF currently arranges hospital based treatment. As the type of services the Deputy refers to do not require in-patient care, they do not fall currently within the remit of the NTPF.