Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply and it is good to hear that there will be two spinal surgeries. The issue has been ongoing for a year and the Minister should have been aware of it. The chief executive indicated that the hospital had applied for surgeons through the HSE and there were problems. One of the people referred to by the Minister, I hope, was on the list for seven months last May, meaning that the person has been waiting at least a year and a half for an appointment with the hospital. I am glad to hear we are moving nonetheless. Given the cost involved, it is not a great result that these people have had to be moved to the Mater Private, but it is good that patients will be seen, which is the main issue. I will be keeping an eye on the matter over the next period.

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