Question from Deputy Michael Murphy - PQ 11987-26

To ask the Minister for Health the immediate contingency arrangements now in place for children awaiting community ophthalmology services in south Tipperary, in circumstances where recruitment of a consultant community ophthalmologist has repeatedly failed and the previous postholder has retired; if weekend clinics, private provision, cross-HSE-area referrals, temporary contracting, or emergency outsourcing are currently being utilised; to explain how it is acceptable that 1,449 children under four years of age are on a waiting list, with some waiting since 2021; when children referred in 2023, including named cases already supplied to the Department, will receive appointments; and the urgent intervention she will now direct to ensure children are not left without timely eye care.