3559. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health whether consideration is being given to extending funding supports for children requiring specialist scoliosis treatment outside the European Union where an equivalent treatment is unavailable in Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56897/26]

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.

International outsourcing arrangements for spinal patients have been in place since 2019. Following the completion of a tender process CHI has established international outsourcing pathways with SJD Barcelona Children's Hospital, and Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare, Minnesota.

In November 2025 and March 2026, CHI wrote to all patients on the active waiting list to offer them the opportunity to travel abroad for their procedure. Once patients communicate a wish to use international outsourcing they will progress though a clinical suitability and selection process.

Additionally, the treatment abroad scheme remains available for international treatment in other countries in the European Union, European Economic Area, United Kingdom, or Switzerland.