3557. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or the HSE maintains records of the number of children with scoliosis travelling outside the State to access treatment unavailable in Ireland; and if so, the number involved in each of the past five years. [56895/26]

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.