John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for raising this matter. I take on board the points he raised. The programme for Government commits to a number of measures, including additional staffing and resources to ensure there is sufficient capacity in the system, and using private capacity both at home and abroad. The Senator's points are very well made. I understand that behind every number is a family and a child. We are working to ensure that we reduce the list, as I outlined. Progress has been made in recent years. It is important to acknowledge that, but of course it is not enough. We will continue to work with the Senator, the House and everybody to try to drive those numbers down even further. I do not want to see, and neither does the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, any child waiting for surgery.