Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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613. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form and by age, the number of children up to ten years of age who are awaiting surgery for scoliosis; the maximum length of time that children are waiting for procedures to be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11470/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Spinal conditions, including scoliosis, in children and young people are predominantly managed at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC). It is acknowledged by all that waiting times for surgery are unacceptable and the HSE, Children's Hospital Group and OLCHC are actively working to address them as quickly as possible and exploring all short, medium- and long-term options to increase capacity. I am pleased to say that funding has been allocated in the 2015 Service Plan to facilitate the appointment of an orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist and support staff to maximise utilisation of available theatre sessions in OLCHC.

In relation to the particular query raised by you, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.