3555. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of children with scoliosis or other spinal deformities who have been advised that a treatment sought by them is not currently available within the State in each of the past ten years. [56893/26]

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.