Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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892. To ask the Minister for Health the number of surgeries outsourced by CHI to private providers in each year since 2020, in tabular form; the total amount paid to each private provider in each year; the governance policies in place to determine each private provider; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34350/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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This Government is committed to ensuring ongoing improvements in paediatric orthopaedic services to ensure that children with scoliosis and spina bifida are treated quickly and safely.

There has been significant additional investment to help tackle waiting lists for spinal procedures. This has resulted in a significant increase in the number of spinal procedures carried out in recent years.

Several initiatives are underway to help improve access to services including a ringfenced theatre, additional outpatient clinics, and national and international outsourcing to maximise capacity.

The Paediatric Spinal Services Management Unit, led by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, and supported by wider Multi-Disciplinary Teams, ensures patients are prioritised correctly for surgery and works to reduce waiting times.

As the detail of the question posed by the Deputy relates to operational matters, I have asked the HSE to provide a direct response as soon as possible.