Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)

I will be taking the Adjournment matter on behalf of the Minister for Health and Children.

Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin is Ireland's largest paediatric hospital and provides a wide range of secondary and tertiary paediatric care. I have read the details of this case as supplied and I share the Deputy's wish that treatment be made available as soon as possible, either at Crumlin or by arrangement with another provider, possibly through the National Treatment Purchase Fund. However, it would not be appropriate for me to discuss the specific circumstances of the case, the details of which have been brought to the attention of the HSE by the Department, as a result of the Deputy raising the matter with us today.

The HSE is in discussion with the hospital authorities about the capacity of the hospital to provide surgery for a number of children with a similar condition. The hospital has the necessary theatre capacity to undertake additional procedures, but an issue has arisen with regard to the provision of anaesthetic cover. The HSE is to meet shortly with the three Dublin paediatric hospitals to explore the potential for resolving this issue. This is a welcome initiative, as we must make every effort to maximise all available resources for the benefit of the children concerned.

The specific circumstance of this case have been brought to the attention of the HSE by the Department, as a result of Deputy O'Rourke raising the matter with us today.

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