Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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846. To ask the Minister for Health when the two additional orthopaedic consultants for Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, will be appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55033/17]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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847. To ask the Minister for Health the timeframe for the orthopaedic theatre in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, to open for additional days and to be at full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55034/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 846 and 847 together.

€9million investment funding has been allocated to the HSE for the development of paediatric orthopaedic services including scoliosis for 2018. The 2018 Service Plan includes a commitment from the HSE to continue to improve access to paediatric orthopaedics including surgery for scoliosis in conjunction with the Children’s Hospital Group to achieve clinically appropriate waiting times.

In relation to the queries on staffing and theatre capacity, as these are service issues, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.