James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Another point that has been made to me, and I think the Minister was alluding to it, relates to wraparound services. For example, one child in my constituency has had an operation but needs to see a urologist next. There are a number of other supporting services that are desperately required to address that child's ongoing needs. That has been a difficulty.

I am trying to understand how the constituent parts of the hospital system, including Cappagh, the CHI, the Beacon, as the Minister mentioned, and other places, can come together to provide that holistic care in a way that tackles the waiting lists and allows children to be seen and accommodated without having to wait four years or until a time their condition is inoperable. We must also provide the follow-on services that are required post operation so they can be seen in a timely fashion and in a way they are not competing with children with less complex needs, which is the case at times now.

There was talk in the Chamber last week of €5 million funding for Cappagh and money that has gone to CHI. There is a little bit of complexity or confusion about exactly what funding has gone where. It would be of great assistance to the families and the House if the Minister would clarify that. What funding is flowing to Cappagh, CHI and elsewhere? What is that money ring-fenced for? How will that assist the children in the short term and the long term?

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