Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We intend to do that. Even as we speak, HSE officials are in Stanmore in the UK looking at the possibility of utilising a facility there to help to deal with what Deputy Curran correctly categorises as a backlog in terms of procedures, especially in treating scoliosis. We can open an additional theatre here or there or hire additional consultants and use other hospitals like the hospital in Cappagh to provide support. However, if we are serious about radically reducing the waiting times, we are going to need to do something above and beyond the norm to get the lists to a level where they are sustainable.

It is fair to say that after several years of an inability to invest in specific waiting list initiatives, we have a massive hill to climb to get this back to what the public deems to be an acceptable level. The level at the moment is, frankly, not acceptable.

I believe there are particularly exciting opportunities in respect of children's health care with the plan shortly to build the new national children's hospital. It is about far more than a building. It will be about a new paediatric model of care. It will be about consultants and specialists working together and pooling of resources that should benefit all children not only in this city but throughout the country.

See this speech in context