I want to raise the issue of a constituent named Aoibh. She is two years old. She was born with a rare and complex condition which has a profound impact on her mobility. She has been under Children's Health Ireland Temple Street since birth. She was reviewed by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon last August and a plan was put in place for surgery. Since then, that surgeon has been suspended and Aoibh and hundreds of other children like her have been left in limbo. Some of them are in pain and some have restricted lives. Aoibh's mother does not believe that she will be available to start preschool in September, so her life is already being impacted. What plan does the Government have in place to address the urgent needs of hundreds of children who require orthopaedic surgery? There does not appear to be orthopaedic surgeon available at the moment to carry out the relevant procedures. Children have had their surgeries delayed and this has had severe consequences.

I appreciate that many children have been waiting a long time for orthopaedic surgery. There is considerable investment in this area. Money has been set aside by the Government specifically for investment in orthopaedic services. Additional theatres have been provided and a whole new hospital will be handed over to the State and in commission next year. That will make a huge difference. Additional consultants are being hired too. I will ask the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly, to come back to the Deputy with a more detailed reply setting out the position.