Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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846. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the delay on the part of the HSE in replying to Parliamentary Question No. 285 of 15 October 2020, referred by him to the HSE for reply; the protocols in place to ensure speedy replies to questions referred to the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37008/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Under Standing Order 51(1), a question may be referred to a body and the referred body has ten  working days to provide a response to the Deputy.

The HSE has been experiencing large volumes of Parliamentary Questions and Representations.  Up to 12 November 4,332 PQs have been referred for direct reply. I have been advised that the HSE is currently answering 82% of all PQs within the 10 working day deadline. Some PQs are complex and take additional time to gather and collate the information requested which may not be routinely available. In addition, I am advised that the HSE has received (to 13 November) 5,128 Representations directly through its Parliamentary Affairs Division. The HSE advise that currently 82% of all Reps are also being answered before/within deadlines. My Department and the HSE are committed to answer all questions in a timely manner. Officials in the Parliamentary Support Unit in my Department hold regular meetings with their counterparts in the HSE to discuss the management of parliamentary obligations.