Purpose <p>There is much variation in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) uptake throughout the UK and Ireland and therefore a gap in understanding of current MIS practice. We surveyed paediatric surgery specialist centres in the UK and Ireland for perspectives on the uptake and future of laparoscopic and robotic paediatric surgery.</p> Methods <p>A questionnaire was created using Google Forms. This was circulated to an index member of the British Association of Paediatric Endoscopic Surgeons (BAPES) in each centre providing specialist paediatric surgery services in the UK and Ireland.</p> Results <p>Responses were received from all 25 paediatric surgery centres in UK and Ireland (257 consultants). In all 25 centres, laparoscopic surgery is well-established. However, only 5% of consultants have an active robotic surgery practice. Most centres feel that laparoscopic surgery offers enhanced vision, reduced post-operative pain, smaller scars and faster recovery. Respondents feel that the advantages of robotic surgery compared to laparoscopic surgery are better precision and control (76%) and enhanced vision (60%). Cost is the biggest perceived barrier to robotic surgery.</p> Conclusion <p>The majority of centres have a well-established laparoscopic practice, but there is still room for improvement. Although only a small number of paediatric surgeons have adopted robotic surgery, 40% of centres report plans to start a robotic programme in the near future, with cost being perceived as the principle barrier to further uptake. With increasing robotic surgery there may be an overall increase in MIS procedures being performed for children in the UK and Ireland in the coming years.</p>