John Brady (Wicklow, Sinn Fein)
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62. To ask the Minister for Health the progress being made to date in his Department on investigations into technology being developed in respect of waiting list initiatives; the proposals he has received on a single integrated waiting list initiative; the meetings or briefings he has had on this; if his attention has been drawn to the success of the Portuguese waiting lists system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4551/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In August, following a briefing on electronic referrals, I tasked the HSE's Chief Information Officer with producing a report into how digital solutions could change the way in which waiting lists are managed.

The HSE has responded providing my Department with a detailed set of options that could be explored. This response on the digital challenge for waiting lists includes an overview of innovations and suggested approaches from over 49 suppliers, some of which have deployed successfully in other countries. The HSE has also reviewed a number of international models which will continue to be sources of information and guidance to ensure the project is well designed and delivered. The HSE has been advised to progress this issue during 2017, in conjunction with relevant business units.

The HSE is of the view that significant progress could be achieved from investing around €1.0m in technology supports. Exact expenditure would only be known following clarity on requirements, developing a business case and following the necessary public procurements.

The success of any digital solutions is predicated on high quality data flowing through the health system. The completion of the national rollout of electronic referrals (eReferrals) and its continued growth, will provide a solid data source and foundation for managing the waiting lists at individual hospital level. Also, the rollout of the Individual Health Identifier (IHI) commencing in 2017, will be important in facilitating the management of national or hospital group waiting lists, as the IHI will support the identification of patients who may be on several waiting lists for the same condition.