Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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159. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which he can improve and reduce the extent of the waiting lists for various hospital appointments and procedures; the degree to which an evaluation has been made with a view to identifying the causes for delays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15141/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Improving waiting lists for scheduled care is a key priority for Government. Taking into account current pressures on acute hospital services, I have put in place a target that by mid-year nobody will wait more than 18 months for in-patient and day case treatment or an out-patient appointment; by year-end, that target will be revised to a wait time of no more than 15 months.

The HSE is currently working on an implementation plan to achieve these targets, and I have asked them to respond to you directly in this regard.

If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.