24 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Health the progress, if any, made in respect of reducing the waiting lists for cardiac operations; the total number of patients awaiting operations; the progress, if any, made in respect of the tender for the accommodation of an additional 500 operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24416/96]

Limerick East): The strategy to deal with cardiac surgery waiting lists has been to provide additional facilities and infrastructure within the public hospital service to increase annual activity.

25 Mr. O'Leary asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Kerry on waiting lists in all Southern Health Board hospitals as on 31 October, 1996, for hip and knee replacements, dental treatment, including dentures, eye treatment, including spectacles, and admissions for treatment, including surgery. [23888/96]

Limerick East): The number of persons from County Kerry who were on waiting lists in all Southern Health Board hospitals on 31 October 1996, for hip and knee replacements, dental treatment including dentures, and eye treatment, including spectacles, is listed on the attached schedule.

Information relating to the number of persons from County Kerry awaiting admission to all Southern Health Board hospitals for all treatment, including surgery is not routinely collected by the Southern Health Board. However, I have asked the board to forward this information to the Deputy directly, as soon as it is available.