1142. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Health the number of patients awaiting ophthalmology appointments, diagnostics and treatment for glaucoma and other non-cataract eye conditions in HSE Dublin and north-east region as of 2 September 2026, by hospital and age cohort. [64248/26]

It is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments. I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.

The multi-annual Action Plan approach initiated in September 2021 is focused on improving waiting times for patients, and the Waiting Time Action Plan (WTAP) 2026, embodies the Government’s commitment to reducing waiting times for patients, thereby improving access to hospital care. Significant progress has been made under this approach in reducing the length of time patients are waiting.

With the 2026 plan, we will continue to build upon the progress delivered to date under the multi annual action plan approach, moving towards the ultimate vision of a public healthcare service in which everyone has timely access to high-quality scheduled care, where and when they need it.

National waiting list information by hospital, specialty, and time band is published monthly by the NTPF on its website: www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm.

The information is now being made available through an interactive visual tool which provides users with a much-improved way of accessing and analysing waiting list information.

In relation to the specific information requested that is not readily available on the NTPF website, as these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.