Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 402: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to long delays in respect of audiology referrals at Waterford Regional Hospital with patients waiting for a minimum of three years; if he will furnish details of the numbers of persons on regional waiting lists; and the action he intends to take to reduce waiting times. [12719/11]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 403: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to a case in Waterford in which a six year old patient (details supplied) awaiting an audiology referral at Waterford Regional Hospital and who is in need of a replacement hearing aid is on a three year waiting list and will not receive a new hearing aid pending their audiology referral; and the action he will take to resolve such lengthy waiting times. [12720/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 402 and 403 together.

The HSE published the report of the National Audiology Review Group in April 2011. Work is now underway to improve access and deliver high quality, consistent audiology services around the country.

While the management of waiting lists generally is a matter for the HSE and the individual hospitals concerned, the Special Delivery Unit soon to be set up, will have a major role in addressing this issue. I have, therefore in the interim, referred the Deputy's question to the Executive for reply.