Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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2211. To ask the Minister for Health her plans to clear the waiting list for children in life changing pain from scoliosis (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45119/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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As a priority, significant additional investment has been allocated to help tackle waiting lists for spinal procedures. Progress has been made with additional theatre capacity, additional resources, extra outpatient clinics, and national and international outsourcing already in place. Further improvements are underway including the onboarding of additional orthopaedic surgeons and improved referral pathways. So far this year, 303 spinal procedures have already been completed, up from 258 for the same period last year, demonstrating an increase in activity and capacity.

The Paediatric Spinal Services Management Unit, established in CHI in 2024, is led by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, and supported by wider Multi-Disciplinary Teams. This unit ensures patients are prioritised correctly for surgery and works to reduce waiting times.

As of end July 2025, 74 children had been waiting more than three months for care on Children’s Health Ireland’s (CHI) active spinal waiting list, meaning 44% of those on the active waiting list were within the Sláintecare targets. This marks a significant improvement from August 2024, when 108 children were waiting over three months, which was 28% within the Sláintecare targets.

Paediatric spinal services remain a priority under the Waiting List Action Plan (WLAP) in 2025.