Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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689. To ask the Minister for Health the number of children with spina bifida who are waiting for an urology procedure; and the number of these children waiting for more than four months. [6978/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for surgery and remain conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families.

Last year I approved an ambitious plan from Children’s Health Ireland to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures as well as urology procedures for patients with spina bifida. Capital and current funding of €19 million was committed to implement the plan.

There will be further investment in 2023. Total funding of €443 million is being allocated to tackle Waiting Lists, which includes €123 million in recurrent funding and will encompass priority areas such as Spina Bifida and Scoliosis.

In relation to the specific query raised, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.