Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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1054. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for a hip operation in Letterkenny university hospital; the current waiting time for this operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26719/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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1055. To ask the Minister for Health when the new cataract unit in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital will be open; and when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment. [26722/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In relation to the query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.