Written answers
Tuesday, 30 September 2025
Department of Health
Departmental Data
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
943. To ask the Minister for Health the most recent figures on the number of patients on ophthalmology waiting lists in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52127/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
In relation to the particular query raised, adult and child waiting list information by hospital and specialty is published monthly by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) on its website: www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm
The information is now being made available through an interactive visual tool which provides users with a much-improved way of accessing and analysing waiting list information.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
944. To ask the Minister for Health the number of patients currently on ophthalmology waiting lists are awaiting cataract surgery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52128/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments. I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
I published the Waiting List Action Plan (WLAP) for 2025 in February, representing this Government’s commitment to reducing waiting times for patients and improving access to hospital care.
In keeping with this commitment, significant funding of €420m was allocated to the Waiting List Action Plan for 2025, €190m for the HSE and €230m for the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).
With the 2025 plan, we are continuing to build upon the progress delivered to date under the multi annual action plan approach, progressing towards the ultimate vision of a public healthcare service in which everyone has timely access to high-quality scheduled care, where and when they need it.
The NTPF has supplied my Department with the table below, which sets out the number of patients waiting for cataract surgery, by time band at the end of August 2025.
Number of Patients waiting for Cataract Surgery by Timeband at end Aug 2025
Number of Patients waiting for Cataract Surgery by Timeband at end Aug 2025 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
0-6 Months | 6-12 Months | 12-18 Months | 18+ Months | Total | |
Number of Patients | 4,875 | 1,329 | 733 | 407 | 7,344 |
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
945. To ask the Minister for Health the number of patients on ophthalmology waiting lists which have been waiting longer than 12 months; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52129/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
In relation to the particular query raised, adult and child waiting list information in time bands, by hospital and specialty is published monthly by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) on its website: www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm
The information is now being made available through an interactive visual tool which provides users with a much-improved way of accessing and analysing waiting list information.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
946. To ask the Minister for Health the number of cataract surgeries carried out in Ireland in 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52130/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
947. To ask the Minister for Health the number of consultant ophthalmologists currently practising in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52131/25]
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
No comments