John Crown (Independent)

Yes, I am asking the Leader to bring to the attention of the Minister our great concern regarding the development of the new children's hospital and also the need for oversight on the part of this House in respect of the plan. There is a concern that, at a time of great financial stringency, we may well have a commitment to construct a new building at some stage while in the short term there will be ongoing underfunding and under-resourcing in respect of paediatric services. Senator Cullinane referred to the average wait for a deaf child in the south east for an appointment with an ear, nose and throat, ENT, specialist. The wait for such an appointment at Crumlin is nearly as long.

The average child going for corrective spinal surgery in this country has 10° extra curvature of his or her spine compared to international standards as a result of the appalling length of the waiting lists. I spoke with the authorities at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, in the past 24 hours and they indicated their relief regarding the fact that the average waiting time appears to be coming down to 18 months. Such a waiting time is completely unacceptable. I would also like everybody to remember -----