Budget 2022 gave an additional allocation of €200 million to the HSE in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists.
Work is underway in my Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund to develop a comprehensive plan for this fund, with a view to ensuring the maximum impact possible on waiting lists during 2022.
In addition to the €200 million provided to the HSE, €50 million additional funding was provided to the NTPF bringing its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million. As a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available in 2022 to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.