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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Scoliosis and spina bifida waiting lists

Summary

Deputy Higgins highlighted growing surgical waiting lists and pain for children with scoliosis and spina bifida. The Minister of State said the Minister for Health had made budgetary provision and would provide a substantive reply.

The Minister knows that the waiting list for surgery for children with scoliosis and spina bifida is under extreme pressure. The list has grown by almost one third since the pandemic began. That means that many young people and many children are living in pain, waiting for life-changing surgery. We need a solution. We urgently need enough funding, staff and theatre space to make those operations happen. I know this Government is committed to addressing the waiting lists for these young people and to ending their pain. Will the Minister give us an update and assurance for these young people and their families?

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Mary Butler Minister of State at the Department of Health Fianna Fáil

I thank the Deputy for the question. I was speaking with the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, about this issue yesterday and last week he visited Cappagh, Tallaght and Crumlin. He spoke with Children's Health Ireland. He has made provisions within the budget for the issue the Deputy raised. I will get her a substantive answer from the Minister and revert to her.

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