David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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429. To ask the Minister for Health the reason the target percentage of patients undergoing a non-urgent colonoscopy within 13 weeks was changed from 70% to 65% in the 2020 HSE Services Plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42724/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The relationship between the Department and the HSE is set out in the Health Act 2004 (as amended).  Under the Act, the HSE Directorate is accountable to the Minister for the performance of its functions and those of the Executive, and the Director General is accountable to the Minister on behalf of the Directorate for the performance by the Directorate of its functions and those of the Executive.

The Department oversees the performance of the HSE in relation to the delivery of the services set out in its National Service Plan. This is achieved through an on-going monthly performance management process where the HSE reports against the targets set out in the Service Plan. Monthly high-level meetings between management in both organisations are held to discuss on-going or emerging performance issues and to determine actions to resolve and improve areas of concern.  There is also regular engagement between HSE and departmental officials on a wide range of issues to ensure compliance with policy objectives.

The Health Act 2004 (as amended) outlines the timeframes that must be adhered to in the publication of the National Service Plan. This outlines that my Department must write to the Health Service Executive to notify it of its allocation not later than 21 days after the publication by the Government of the Estimates for Public Services. The legislation further provides that, on receipt of the letter of this determination, the Executive has 21 days to prepare and submit its Service Plan for Ministerial approval.

In terms of colonoscopy services, a national programme was established in mid-2016 to coordinate several activities to improve endoscopy services. The Endoscopy Programme is housed within the Acute Operations Division of the HSE and the programme is overseen by the National Endoscopy Steering Group, which includes a Clinical Lead, Training Lead, Nurse Lead and Programme Manager. The team are supported by the National Endoscopy Working Group. The aim of the endoscopy programme is to improve the delivery of endoscopy services across all Hospital Groups.