Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Liberal Democrat MP is concerned about long healthcare waiting lists in Northern Ireland, noting that the issue is impacting one in four of the population.
Whether he is taking steps with Cabinet colleagues to help reduce waiting times for healthcare in Northern Ireland. I share concerns about the lack of an Executive and support for the NHS, which is struggling.
We are acutely aware of the challenges facing the health service in Northern Ireland. Tackling waiting lists is one of the Prime Minister's top priorities, but it is the responsibility of the devolved Government to deliver reforms.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific steps being taken by Cabinet colleagues to help reduce waiting times for healthcare in Northern Ireland were not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP notes that over 500,000 people in Northern Ireland are waiting to see a clinician or have treatment, representing one in four of the population.
Over 500,000 people in Northern Ireland are waiting either to see a clinician or to have treatment. Does my hon. Friend agree that health services desperately need a working Executive to help address these problems?
Yes, without an Executive, local leaders are not able to deliver reforms and people in Northern Ireland are feeling the impact of long waiting lists.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP acknowledges similar problems in healthcare across the United Kingdom and asks about a meeting with NHS leaders.
If it is one of the Prime Minister's priorities, could he not meet the leaders of the NHS in each of the devolved nations, and the leaders of those devolved nations, to discuss how they can learn from each other?
The British-Irish Council did not discuss health this time, but it would be a good forum for that discussion.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific meeting with NHS leaders to address healthcare challenges was avoided.
Response accuracy