Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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59. To ask the Minister for Health his plans to reduce gynaecology waiting times for inpatient and day cases in Cork University Hospital. [30663/16]

Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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95. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting more than a year for an outpatient consultation with a gynaecologist at Cork University Hospital. [30662/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 95 together.

A key challenge for our health system is to ensure that patients have timely access to health services, in light of increasing demand. This Government is committed to a sustained focus on improving wait times, particularly for those waiting longest.

While the numbers on waiting lists are undoubtedly too high, the key issue is how long people are waiting. According to the September waiting list data published by the NTPF, 1,556 patients are waiting over 12 months.

My Department works closely with the HSE and the NTPF to implement measures to reduce waiting times. At my request, in August, the HSE developed an action plan to reduce, by year end, the number of patients currently waiting 18 months or more for an impatient / daycase procedure.

Finally, the Budget 2017 provides for the treatment of our longest-waiting patients. €20m is being allocated to the NTPF, rising to €55m in 2018. Planning of this initiative is at an advanced stage by the NTPF, my Department and the HSE.

In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.