193. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of outsourcing arrangements for children's spinal surgery and paediatric orthopaedics; the participating hospitals, including international hospitals; the number of children referred, assessed, treated and awaiting treatment through each arrangement for the period 1 January to 31 August 2026 and the equivalent period in 2025; and the expenditure incurred under each arrangement, in tabular form. [67571/26]

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.

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. CHI continue to ensure that patients are informed of the option to have their procedure carried out in an international hospital.

The Paediatric Spinal Services Management Unit, led by a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, and supported by wider Multi-Disciplinary Teams, ensures patients are prioritised correctly for surgery and works to continue to reduce waiting times.

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