Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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530. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the current waiting time for the National Gender Service which stands at over two years from the initial referral; his views on the adequacy of this timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2929/22]

Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals have been impacted by operational challenges arising from surges in cases related to the Delta and Omicron variants.

At present the acute hospital system is prioritising unscheduled Covid-19 care and urgent time-sensitive work. The HSE has confirmed to the Department that patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.

The Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.

In addition, the Department of Health, the HSE and the NTPF are also working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Health and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund.

The PQ has been referred to the HSE for a specific response on the waiting list for the National Gender Service as a service delivery issue.

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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531. To ask the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for occupational therapy by CHO, age category and time waiting in tabular form; if his attention has been drawn to lengthy waiting lists countrywide; if there are plans to support those waiting to access a service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2930/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.