Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The counting of the list has been the same since 2002. In fairness, when Deputy Martin introduced that list in 2002 it was best international practice. The counting of the list has not changed to any extent. There is no intention to hide anything in terms of numbers. Some of the people have already had an initial treatment and will be called back. They were never counted in the past. They are counted now. That is fair enough but it does not do anything for those who suffer with the difficulties and challenges of scoliosis. The Minister will be talking to the chief executive of Crumlin hospital, the HSE and the NTPF today and the focus will be on scoliosis, as the Deputy quite correctly requests, in order that no children will be left in their current difficulties and pain. It is not acceptable. We have all said that and everybody understands it. The problem is how to get the theatre, paid for by the taxpayer, open to provide relief and comfort to the children with this problem.

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