James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 214: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of cancelled operations in 2007, 2008 and 2009, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31398/10]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 215: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of cancelled operations nationally from 1 January, 2010 to 30 June, 2010, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31399/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 215 together.

I am conscious that the cancellation of a hospital procedure can be inconvenient and stressful for both patients and their families. Every effort is made to avoid such occurrences. It is important to note that the deferral of a person's admission to hospital may occur for a range of reasons, for example because of hospital capacity issues, where a patient may not be deemed fit for surgery on a given day or where for personal reasons a patient wishes to postpone having a procedure. Unless there are clear clinical grounds for a period of postponement, arrangements are made for a new admission date to be assigned.

Unfortunately, cancellations are a feature of hospital systems, in Ireland and internationally, because priority must be given to emergency cases and patients in urgent need. While data is not comprehensive, the experience in the Irish public system appears to be broadly in line with that in other hospital systems. In 2009, for example, it is estimated that cancellations equated to about 1.4% of all inpatient and day case activity.

As the detailed information requested is a matter for the HSE, the Deputy's query has been referred to the Executive for direct reply.