Naoise Ó Muirí (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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2398. To ask the Minister for Health the current target waiting time for scoliosis surgery; the plans and timeline for reducing average waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45831/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Paediatric spinal services are a priority under the Waiting List Action Plan (WLAP) in 2025. 

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.

At end July 2025, a total of 303 spinal surgical procedures have been completed year-to-date. This is an increase of 45 procedures compared to 258 procedures in the same period in 2024.

At end July 2025, a total of 345 spinal patients have been added to the CHI spinal surgical waiting list year-to-date, compared to 295 for the same period in 2024.

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.

In relation to the operational element of the query, I have asked the Health Service Executive to provide a further response to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.