Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
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13. To ask the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to improve access to, and the quality of, treatment for lymphoedema in the south-east region and across the country; when he expects the Health Service Executive report on this matter to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42968/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The main treatments for lymphoedema involve lymph drainage, compression bandages and physiotherapy. While these treatments are provided by the HSE it is acknowledged that there is variation in the level of delivery across the country, including the South East region.

In June this year I met with representatives of Lymphoedema Ireland, the HSE and my Department to discuss the supply of, and reimbursement for, compression bandages, the development of an adequate model of care and access to services for lymphoedema patients. A subsequent meeting involving Lymphoedema Ireland and the HSE took place on 19 August.

The HSE has no plans to produce a report on lymphoedema services. However, in April this year the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme published a leaflet on prevention of clinical lymphoedema after cancer treatment. This leaflet focuses on the prevention, early detection and risk reduction of clinical lymphoedema after cancer treatment. It emphasises in particular the importance of early intervention in preventing the progression of lymphoedema in cancer patients. I am advised that new cases of lymphoedema linked to cancer are becoming less common due to improvements in cancer treatment.

The HSE is currently examining the issues raised by lymphoedema patients, in particular in relation to the provision of compression bandages. They are continuing to work closely with Lymphoedema Ireland and a follow-up meeting is planned for early next year.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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14. To ask the Minister for Health if the 2016 Health Service Executive Service plan will put measures in place to improve the capacity for orthopaedic treatment in the north-east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42990/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The trauma orthopaedic service for the North East is provided in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. The elective orthopaedics service for the North East is provided in Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, with an outreach clinic in Cavan.

Our Lady's Hospital, Navan provides a regional orthopaedic service for the counties of Louth, Meath, Cavan and Monaghan. The service includes joint replacements, hip and knee revisions, arthroscopies, and orthopaedic related injections. This year the hospital has undertaken 1,700 orthopaedic procedures from the start of January to end November. The service currently provides for approximately 440 joint procedures per annum.

Any decisions in relation to increased funding for the delivery of additional orthopaedic services will be taken in the context of the extent of revenue funding available and will be determined as part of the 2016 Service Plan and operational plan processes currently underway. Hospitals have authority to implement efficiencies and service improvements which can facilitate the provision of increased services within existing funding levels.