John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 146: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the way he will reduce the waiting time for ENT appointments and surgery; if he will expedite the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; his views regarding the fact that the waiting list for January 2009 is only now being dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9004/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The scheduling of patients for hospital treatment is a matter for the consultant concerned in each case and is determined on the basis of clinical need. Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant involved. I intend to set up a Special Delivery Unit, driven by my Department, which will focus on reducing unacceptable waiting times for patients. I am examining options for the Unit at present and will put it in place as soon as possible.