Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is not right that we as politicians should prioritise one individual over another. I acknowledge that the Deputy is not suggesting that and, as such, the interest I take will be in all cases not individual cases.

I am advised from Galway that within the last three months, two consultant orthopaedic surgeons, comprising one replacement and one additional post, have been appointed at University Hospital Gaway. While the hospital has limited capacity to undertake the elective aspect of the service, it is actively working to develop the elements required to support the service including in-patient beds, high-end equipment, theatre capacity and staffing from within existing resources. In the short term, Galway is working to assign five dedicated beds to support this service. When the new ward block which is under construction is completed, this will increase to eight dedicated beds.

There are ten patients in Galway awaiting scoliosis spinal surgery of whom seven have been waiting for more than 15 months. As I say, the hospital is working with the SDU to explore the potential to refer these patients to another hospital for surgery whether in Dublin or, potentially, overseas if that is an option.

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