Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

-----hope that they might get some service.

I have one very specific question for the Minister. This time last year I raised with the then Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton, the plight of children and young adults with scoliosis awaiting surgery. I was informed at the time that the new orthopaedic theatre at Crumlin hospital would open in April of last year. The current Minister is presiding over the same scenario and the same suffering for those who endure scoliosis. He is now saying that this theatre will open in April of this year. I want a concrete assurance from the Minister today that the theatre will be open and functional in April. I also want him to give an assurance to all of those children and young people, including Pearl, who suffer in this way that they will have their surgery soon and without any further delay. I want him to assure them that they will not be left suffering on a list. Living on the list is a misnomer - existing on the list is the experience for so many children and their families.

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