Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 27: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason a person (details supplied) in County Galway is not entitled to have an operation carried out at Merlin Park hospital; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46550/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

However, I would like to advise the Deputy the Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that, subject to limited statutory charges, all persons ordinarily resident in the country are eligible for all in-patient and out-patient public hospital services, including consultant services. The scheduling of patients for treatment is a matter for the hospital concerned and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an early appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the hospital.