Bobby Aylward (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I understand that outsourcing is helping to alleviate the list. Why can we not cater for more of these children by expanding capacity in the Crumlin theatre and opening it for at least five days? My understanding is that it is only open on three days each week at present. Why can we not extend that to five days? We have the surgeons - I think five have been appointed - and we have the nursing staff. Due to their condition, not all of the children can travel abroad although I am glad that some can go abroad to get treatment. Also, referral between the Mater and Crumlin can sometimes break down. I ask the Minister to consider extending the Crumlin theatre's capacity from three days to five. I accept that progress has been made, and the advocacy group accepts that. More must be done.

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