Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Minister will be aware that there is no national screening service for the onset of scoliosis. The curvature of the spine is probably first observed by a general practitioner or family member. Waiting lists and waiting times are increasing significantly. I have been advised by an orthopaedic surgeon that immediate intervention is required beyond the age of 16. It is next to pointless for an acute intervention to address the progressive nature of scoliosis. Children have been languishing on waiting lists for over three years. The interventions they are waiting for would not be considered lightly by families. It is a serious operation. What are the Minister's plans to accelerate the waiting times? It appears that the waiting times in the HSE west area are out of kilter with those elsewhere. There is a three-year wait for an intervention to address the chronic and acute nature of this condition.

See this speech in context