Barry Heneghan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1880. To ask the Minister for Health to provide an update on the implementation of the planned "root and branch" reforms to address paediatric spinal surgery waiting lists; to confirm that these reforms will not disrupt ongoing services; to publish the timeline and resource allocation for their delivery; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58945/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I am cognisant of the challenges families have faced in relation to paediatric orthopaedic services, in particular spinal services, and I am actively driving multiple efforts to address these challenges.

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 dedicated GP referral pathway supports the appropriate prioritisation of urgent patients. Children requiring non-complex procedures have pathways to Blackrock and Cappagh to maximise capacity for complex procedures in CHI. International outsourcing is an additional pathway for complex procedures which has supported 19 patients to have surgery abroad since 2024. A new orthopaedic surgeon was onboarded on August 11th. The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital is enhancing the Adolescent Transition Spinal Service to support seamless transition of care.

387 spinal procedures have been completed so far this year to end of September 2025, compared to 362 for the same period last year, demonstrating an increase in activity and capacity. Over the same timeframe, a total of 415 procedures were added to the waiting list. Every effort is being made to reduce waiting times in the context of this rising demand.

While we are making progress, I acknowledge it has been too slow, and too many children are still waiting.

The HSE CEO has also commissioned an audit of governance and equity in patient access and waiting list management at CHI. This audit is be augmented by a qualitative element to ensure patient and staff experience is captured.

The Tánaiste and I have agreed to work in partnership with parents and advocacy groups on the structure of an inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services at CHI. I remain open minded about how the inquiry process can best be approached and I have invited parents and advocacy groups to submit any thoughts or ideas they would like to share regarding the structure and scope.

A follow-up meeting with parents and patient advocates is due to be arranged very shortly. The inquiry will be part of the wider reflection on paediatric services in CHI.

I can assure the Deputy, and children and their families that I remain committed to improving spinal services.