Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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1506. To ask the Minister for Health if she is aware of the numerous cases of children with scoliosis who have faced various challenges with appointments postponed, changed, delayed or cancelled at the last minute; how the Minister will address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10755/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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This Government is committed to ensuring ongoing improvements so that children with scoliosis are treated quickly and safely.

There has been significant additional investment to help tackle waiting lists for spinal procedures. Several initiatives are underway to support improvements in paediatric spinal services and reduce the time that children are waiting for spinal procedures. A dedicated Paediatric Spinal Surgery Management Unit was established last year to focus on delivering improvements to the spinal waiting lists. This Unit is working on improving capacity within CHI, expanding national outsourcing, and looking to maximise the international support.

These initiatives have supported an increase in activity and a decrease in the time children are waiting for their surgery. In 2024, activity increased by 10% compared to 2023, and over the year the number of children actively waiting over 4 months reduced by 37%. Spinal services remains a priority under the Waiting List Action Plan in 2025.

As the scheduling of appointments for children with scoliosis are a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.