190. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the reason a 90-year-old woman (details supplied) has been left in excruciating pain and virtually housebound from an obliterated hip and has been told they must wait months for a hip replacement operation due to long waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40362/24]

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

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.