Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy very much. I appreciate her pledge not to engage in smart alec comments.

With regard to this important issue, I am very happy to meet the families. It is the least I could do. I will arrange to do that. I cannot give the Deputy a date right now, but I will do it in the next couple of weeks. I am very happy to do that; in fact, I think I would benefit from doing it.

With regard to the treatment abroad scheme, the Minister for Health advised me yesterday that Mr. Moore, who I believe is the new clinical lead in this area, is working on a number of options in relation to treatment abroad. I am not going to mislead parents today. I do not know the answer in terms of a timeframe. However, I will find it for the Deputy and respond to her in writing.

As the Deputy knows, very significant additional resources have gone in already to the scoliosis and spina bifida waiting list action plans. I believe it is €19 million in current capital funding. The Minister for Health also briefed me yesterday that Mr. Moore brought forward to him in the last few weeks proposals for additional extra staff and consultants. That is what my note tells me. However, let me write to the Deputy on both of those issues.

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