Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the House to discuss this all-important issue. I acknowledge the fact that Senators McDowell and Boyhan have brought the Bill before us. I really welcome the Bill. It means an awful lot to me. I know some people whose children had scoliosis. They had to wait quite a while but the children eventually had a procedure and operation. I know of another person who was in an awful lot of pain when a young adult and had to wait quite a while but eventually had a procedure.

Much has been said about scoliosis services here today. At one stage it was said the delays were due to a shortage of appropriate theatres. I understand that not every operating theatre is suitable for scoliosis operations. At one stage people who were due to undergo less minor procedures were moved to other hospitals where there was a theatre available that was appropriate for other procedures. Could such a solution be considered to alleviate the waiting lists? In the past Crumlin children's hospital facilitated other operations and operations were performed in theatres in other hospitals.

Children and young adults can have scoliosis. Sometimes scoliosis happens to adults as they get older. All of these people are in awful lot of pain. Scoliosis can have serious health implications. I do not have to allude to the condition because my colleagues have raised the associated issues.

Finally, I thank the Minister for coming and look forward to his response. I believe the Government is determined to fix this situation. The sooner we alleviate the waiting lists, the better.