Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1373. To ask the Minister for Health the degree to which he plans to focus on the known weaknesses within the health services with particular reference to addressing issues such as overcrowding at accident and emergency, waiting lists in respect of various procedures, deficiencies at community care level and bed and various staff shortages; the extent to which each or all are deemed to be responsible for delays experienced by persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28186/17]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1376. To ask the Minister for Health the degree to which bed shortages have been identified as a contributory factor affecting persons requesting various procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28189/17]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1377. To ask the Minister for Health the degree to which staff shortages at various levels continue to be identified as a contributory factor causing delays for persons awaiting various procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28190/17]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1378. To ask the Minister for Health the degree to which a lack of theatre space has been identified as a contributory factor in the ongoing delays experienced by persons on waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28191/17]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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1384. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department has identified the quantum of deficiencies within the health services which has resulted in delays and waiting lists at various levels; his plans to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28197/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1373, 1376 to 1378, inclusive, and 1384 together.

I am very aware of the interrelated nature of the challenges our health service faces. As a consequence, I have prioritised a range of policy and operational initiatives to address waiting lists, Emergency Department overcrowding, bed capacity and staff recruitment.

Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government's key priorities. Consequently, Budget 2017 allocated €20 million to the NTPF, rising to €55 million in 2018. The HSE has published, and is implementing Waiting List Action Plans for 2017 in the areas of Inpatient/Daycase, Scoliosis and Outpatient Services, focused on longest-waiting patients.

In relation to Emergency Departments, the HSE is implementing a Roadmap towards improving patient ED experience and reducing trolley wait times. In addition, planning for next winter has commenced.

My Department has also commenced a capacity review, in line with the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment. The review will take a whole-of-system approach, and will examine key elements of primary and community care infrastructure, in addition to hospital facilities. Further, my Department and the HSE are implementing a range of initiatives to increase the medical and nursing workforce.

The Committee on the Future of Health Care has also made a series of recommendations, including specific measures to tackle waiting times and ED overcrowding. I look forward to considering the report and its recommendations in full.