Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left) | Oireachtas source

I wish to make an observation regarding the comment made by the Tánaiste in her interview in the SIPTU journal, in which she appears to have pulled back and to have changed her tune from her attitude in this Chamber two weeks ago regarding working people actually having smart phones, being able to use them and being able to interact with social media. Many people found those remarks to be highly patronising and contentious.

That said, I wish to raise the issue of scoliosis and the number of children who are awaiting surgery in the Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. I have been contacted by many families on this issue, as well as by Scoliosis Ireland, which has made the point that waiting lists have continued to increase in this area over the recent past.. As the Tánaiste is aware, scoliosis is a serious condition that causes curvature of the spine and in more serious cases, if not treated it affects children leaving their backs twisted and deformed and can put pressure on their lungs and heart. More than 530 children are stuck on waiting lists for orthopaedic surgery at Crumlin children's hospital. Moreover, 50 children who need surgery for curvature of the spine are waiting for up to 18 months and more for surgery at Crumlin and Tallaght hospitals. Patrick Kiely, who is a consultant at Crumlin hospital, has stated these delays not only cause increased deformity and discomfort in a growing child but also lead to more complex surgery and treatment also being more costly. In a newspaper comment, he stated:

It’s counterproductive. The risks rise, complications are more likely, in some cases spinal deformity grows rapidly worse. And it’s not economically sensible. Research indicates a 15%-30% increased cost associated with correcting the more severe curves.

As the Tánaiste is aware, this has been an ongoing problem for years . In 2009, a HSE plan was brought in to eliminate waiting lists by the spring of 2012 but this has not happened. What is needed are more surgeons, extra theatre time, more specialised areas for traction, of which there are only two in Crumlin hospital. I do not know what these additional resources would cost but it would hardly break the HSE, compared with the health costs for the families and their children. This issue has been going on for too long under the radar. The families involved have stated they tried to raise this issue with the HSE but are not they getting back concrete replies. Will the Tánaiste give a commitment to these families to raise this issue with the Minister for Health in order that it be dealt with urgently? This must stop and these waiting lists must be reduced.

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