Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 832: To ask the Minister for Health in view of the most recent colonscopy waiting times showing that the numbers waiting more than three months for a colonscopy are higher that ever before, despite the introduction of the waiting times initiative last September; the way these waiting times will be improved in time to ensure that designated hospitals for bowel cancer screening will have the capacity to cope with the additional colonscopies screening will generate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35235/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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A priority for the SDU is improving access to diagnostics. This programme of work has already commenced in terms of access to GI endoscopy. The SDU and NTPF are currently supporting hospitals in the provision of gastroscopy and colonoscopy with the aim of ensuring that no patient should have to wait longer than 3 months for either of these procedures by the end of September 2012. Hospitals being supported include those candidate screening colonoscopy units for the national colorectal screening programme.