2153. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if she will urgently examine the application for the national treatment purchase fund for a person (details supplied); if the application will be expedited; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42998/26]

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) works with public hospitals, as opposed to with patients directly, to offer and provide the funding for treatment to clinically suitable long waiting patients who are on a public inpatient/day case waiting list for surgery, having been referred on to such a list following clinical assessment by a consultant/specialist at a public outpatient clinic.

The key criteria of the NTPF is the prioritisation of the longest waiting patients first. While the NTPF identifies patients eligible for NTPF treatment, it is solely on the basis of their time spent on the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List. The clinical suitability of the patient to avail of NTPF funded treatment is determined by the public hospital. The availability of capacity for the specific procedure required by the patient is a factor in an offer of treatment being made and in the selection of treatment provider.

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. The Minister for Health is prohibited 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 status of the individual concerned on the public hospital waiting list and their eligibility for treatment under NTPF funding, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.