I propose to take Questions Nos. 617, 618 and 619 together.
I assume the Deputy is referring to my reply to PQ No. 1547 of 19 January 2022. I outlined in this reply that 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.
As the specific issues raised by the Deputy are service matters, I have referred them to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.