Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

A lot of valid points have been made and I compliment the movers of this motion. There are 200 children in need of this wonderful and exciting solution to their medical problem. It is a wonder of medical science. It is a pity that the Minister for Health or a Minister of State in his Department is not here to listen but I ask the Minister of State who is here, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, to urge his colleagues to show some humanity. They must understand that it should not always be about showing the white flag and licking up to the troika. We must look after the personal needs of a small number of children. We must give them the chance and an equal opportunity to live their lives to the full. They must be given these implants soon because there is only a certain amount of time during which implantation is successful. The fact that the State is currently only providing one implant to these children is shameful. This will cost €12 million but the Government wasted €14 million on a pet project, an ego-trip for the Taoiseach. I urge the Taoiseach to come off his high horse, eat some humble pie, listen to the people and show some humanity and common decency. He should provide funding for this miraculous treatment for these very young people.

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