Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 March 2017
40. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if provision has been made within the HSE action plan for scoliosis for the reintroduction of checks in primary schools by public health nurses for the identification of scoliosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11816/17]
View answerA draft Waiting List Action Plan for Scoliosis has been submitted by the HSE to my Department. The draft action plan for Scoliosis includes both measures to increase capacity for scoliosis treatments in the children's hospitals and proposals for the outsourcing of procedures. Officials are currently reviewing and evaluating the plan and engagement is ongoing with the HSE and the NTPF towards its finalisation. I expect to make known the details of the HSE's Waiting List Action Plan including the Action Plan for Scoliosis in the coming weeks.
In relation to the Deputy's query on screening in primary schools, I have recently been in contact with the Director General of the HSE on this matter and have asked my Department to review policy in this area and provide me with advice.
