3553. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of children with scoliosis currently waiting more than three months, six months, 12 months and 24 months plus for treatment, consultation or surgical intervention, in tabular form. [56891/26]

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.

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.