Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome Ms Hardiman and thank her for coming before the committee again.

From the earlier discussion, it appears that we have a completely unacceptable situation in terms of scoliosis treatment. The matter needs to be dealt with, as a matter of urgency. Covid has been deemed to be a factor. However, we have evidence to the effect that Covid was not a factor from one of the earlier witnesses. Also, that we can, and could, utilise facilities that are available in the downtime of theatres to deal with the urgent waiting lists. I ask Ms Hardiman to comment.