A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, ba mhaith liom an t-ábhar ar chlár an Rialtais a thógáil faoi do liosta feithimh. I ask about the reduction in waiting time for children suffering from scoliosis who are awaiting spinal fusion surgery and related appointments. The much-feted scoliosis action plan was abandoned early this year without even coming near to hitting its targets. The Scoliosis Advocacy Network has highlighted publicly that four-month surgery targets are not being met. It tells us that the theatre in Crumlin which is supposed to carry out these surgeries is only operating on a three-day week and outsourcing has stopped, although there are hundreds of children waiting for surgery for scoliosis in Ireland. We know that waits for first appointments for scoliosis are now running at two to three years. These waits are putting children at risk of deterioration, more complex procedures and poorer outcomes. When will we see a functional plan for scoliosis for 2018 with the necessary human and financial resources so that we can reduce these waiting lists and provide for these children and their families?

This is a serious issue. I have spoken to Deputy Harris about it on a number of occasions because we all deal with families and young people affected by scoliosis. I will hand over to the Minister of State in that Department to provide a more detailed answer.

I assure the Deputy, as he is aware since the numbers are on the record of the House, though I do not have them to hand, that there has been a significant decrease in the number of people waiting. That is not to take from the number that are waiting. Significant progress has been made in the past 12 months in the number of procedures that have been carried out. Efforts are continuing to reduce those waiting lists. It is important that we keep the balance and keep the focus on it to ensure that those numbers go down, while keeping the balance with all the other procedures.

When is the plan for 2018 going to be provided?

It is already four months late.

I do not have a date for it but I will pass it on after I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy Harris. It is due shortly.