Ms Angela Fitzgerald:

I do not want to speak for the sake of speaking or being the token woman, which I think is what was implied, but on the specific issue of scoliosis, the number of children currently waiting is 141. There are 20 children who have been waiting for over a year and who were offered a number of options, but whose families chose to have the children treated in Ireland despite the delay. The priority is to get those children treated as soon as possible. For the remaining 121 children, our objective is to work within the four-month target. To clarify matters for families, the four-month target period runs from the time the child is deemed to require the surgery. Obviously, there will be some variation because children are still in growth patterns. However, the four-month target has been set explicitly and we intend to work within it.

It is worth saying at the committee that the feedback from those children who opted for overseas options has been extraordinary and the subject of much discussion. I have met a number of the families with the Minister and I understand the anguish they experience watching their children, not only in pain, but also with the disabling effect of the condition. Being able to offer choice was significant in the circumstances. With specific reference to Crumlin, the objective is to increase its capacity to five days. It is important to acknowledge, however, the efforts by Cappagh and Temple Street hospitals, which are now hitting the targets. I was talking to a neighbour recently whose child was seen two weeks ago and is now being listed for surgery in August during her summer holidays. She will be able to go back to school fully recovered. Compared with where we were last year, we have made significant inroads. We are not there yet but we expect to meet the target by year end.