The Dáil has been told that the promises made to children awaiting scoliosis surgery have not been kept.
The matter was raised by Sinn Féin's health spokesperson Louise O'Reilly during a Topical Issues debate.
Responding, Minister of State Catherine Byrne told the house that as of 14 June, 193 children are awaiting spinal fusion or other spinal procedures, an 11% decrease on the same period last year.
She said 30% of children were awaiting spinal fusion procedures for more than four months.
Ms O'Reilly said the orthopedic theatre in Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin is still only operating three days a week.
"How can the Department expect to make good on promises made by the minister if the resources are not being put in and the resources that are there are not being used to full capacity," Ms O'Reilly asked.
