asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are over 200 spina bifida children in the Southern Health Board area; that many of these have to wait over nine months for orthopaedic appointments and longer if they require treatment; and if he will immediately fill the consultant's vacancy which is responsible for these delays.
Written Answers. - Spina Bifida Children.
36.
I am aware that delays have arisen in the provision of orthopaedic treatment for spina bifida children in the Southern Health Board. As the Deputy is aware, the organisation of the orthopaedic service and the filling of the vacant post of consultant orthopaedic surgeon is primarily a matter for the Southern Health Board, which must have regard to competing priorities and the level of their allocation.