Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My message is that I am committed to doing everything I possibly can to reduce the times for children waiting for scoliosis surgery. There were 255 scoliosis procedures up to the end of October of this year. That compares with 319 spinal procedures for the same period last year. Unfortunately, in March, April and May, because of Covid-19, there was a collapse in the number of procedures and that has had an impact.

Funding is not the issue. Funding was provided for the recruitment of approximately 60 whole-time equivalents in the past 18 months to enable the expansion of paediatric orthopaedic services, including scoliosis services. Work is under way, for example, in discussions with Cappagh, if Cappagh can be of assistance to Crumlin, and also, in terms of the UK, Stanmore is a facility that is available as well for scoliosis. However, I will be engaging with the Minister for Health.

I have written back to Ms Redmond as well. It is difficult for the children concerned and I will do everything I can to try to help.

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