David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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589. To ask the Minister for Health the amount of paediatric orthopaedic theatre time and beds will be protected for children with scoliosis and spina bifida for 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12739/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In February of this year I met with senior officials of Children’s Heath Ireland (CHI) and the HSE, as well as senior orthopaedic clinicians from Temple Street, Crumlin and Cappagh, to discuss the finalisation of proposals to increase orthopaedic activity at CHI. The plan proposes ambitious additional activity levels which will work to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures (scoliosis and spina bifida) by year end.

This latest initiative is further evidence of this Government’s commitment to address the issues facing these children. Both current and capital funding has been provided to a value of €19 million in 2022 to support this initiative.

In relation to the details requested by the Deputy, I have referred your question to the HSE and asked them to provide you with a direct response.