The cross-Border scheme acts as a great release valve in dealing with the chronic public waiting lists, yet patients who avail of the scheme are left waiting for a long time to be reimbursed. The average waiting time is approximately 20 weeks, having risen from four. I have raised this issue a number of times on the floor of the Dáil, including by way of parliamentary questions, and each time I have been assured additional resources are being allocated to deal with the increased number of applications. I am told that the additional resources are additional telephone lines that have been provided in the office for the processing of applications. It is actually compounding the problem-----

The Deputy is over time.

-----because it is taking staff who are in short supply away from the processing of applications to answer the telephones. Will the Minister answer me today? If he cannot do so, will he give an undertaking that the relevant Minister will come back to me to tell me how the Government will deal with the increased workload for the workers who are processing claims under the cross-Border scheme-----

Please, Deputy. I call the Minister.

-----in order that those who are borrowing money to access treatment abroad because they cannot access it in their own jurisdiction will not be left waiting for in excess of 20 weeks to get their money back?

I will convey the Deputy's concerns to the Minister concerned.