Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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778. To ask the Minister for Health the number of inpatient and outpatient procedures, respectively, which are expected to be carried out in 2018 across the various hospital groupings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46665/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE is currently in the process of preparing its 2018 Service Plan, which will include details of the type and volume of health services being provided in 2018. The timeframes for submission of the HSE Service Plan for my approval are set down in legislation. As provided for under the Health Act 2004, as amended, my Department must write to the Health Service Executive to notify it of its allocation for 2018 not later than 21 days after the publication by the Government of the Estimates for Public Services. This notification issued by way of Letter of Determination from my Department on 26 October, 2018. The legislation further provides that, on receipt of the letter of determination, the Executive has 21 days to prepare and submit its Service Plan for 2018 for my approval. The Health Act allows me to extend the period provided to the HSE to prepare, adopt and submit its Service Plan, if required.

Following the submission of the draft National Service Plan, the legislation provides 21 days for me to examine the proposed Plan and where necessary to seek amendment to, or approve, the Plan. The National Service Plan must be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas within 21 days of its approval. Once the Service Plan is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas the HSE must ensure it is published at the earliest possible time.