Health Minister Harris kicks Laois Offaly health queries into HSE's park

The Minister for Health has declined to answer questions on waiting laists for a host of health services in Laois and Offaly and instead directed queries to the HSE.

On Thursday April 26 Minister Simon Harris issued the same reply to a range of questions asked by Laois Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley.

Dep Stanley for the number of children awaiting speech and language services in counties Laois and Offaly and  the number waiting more than one and two years, respectively.

He asked for  the number of children in counties Laoisand Offaly awaiting occupational therapy; the number waiting more than one and two years, respectively.

The Laois TD also sought details on the number of persons who have been granted home help hours in counties Offaly and Laois but are still awaiting the service; and the number who are waiting more than six months. 

He asked Minister Harris about the number of children who are waiting psychological assessments in counties Laois and Offaly; and the number waiting more than one and two years, respectively

Finally he asked, for the number of children in counties Offaly and Laois awaiting physiotherapy; and the number waiting more than one and two years, respectively.

Minister Harris gave the same answer to the first and last question.

"As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply," he said.

This has been the standard reply from health ministers since the HSE was set up on health service issues.

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