Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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469. To ask the Minister for Health the degree to which lack of theatre space of a particular category 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. [23780/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Improving waiting times for hospital procedures is a key commitment in the Programme for Government. Investing in additional capacity, including beds and theatre space; the progression of recruitment and retention of staff; the delivery of the NDP project including dedicated elective only hospitals and the ambitious reform agenda in the Sláintecare Report will improve waiting times and access for patients.

A number of initiatives are currently underway to improve access this year. As part of the Inpatient and Day Case Action Plan, launched in April 2018, €50 million was allocated to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to secure treatment for patients and reduce waiting times. The Action Plan targets a reduction in the waiting list for inpatient and day case treatment to below 70,000 by the end of 2018.

Under the Plan, the HSE will deliver 1.14 million hospital procedures. The NTPF will deliver 20,000 Inpatient Day Case treatments through both outsourcing and HSE insourcing. Through outsourcing, the NTPF secures access to additional theatre space for public patients.

In addition my Department will continue to work with the HSE and the NTPF to identify sustainable initiatives to improve waiting times. Last year funding was allocated to provide additional capacity at the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital as a result of such initiatives and a cataract theatre is now operational three days per week. This year, in line with the Action Plan, the HSE is planning to open a dedicated Cataract theatre in Nenagh Hospital in July.