David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Liam Dennehy is 13 years old and is from Fossa in County Kerry. Just over one year ago his spine started to shift. On his first X-ray Liam's spine was at 35°. By November it was at 85°. It was evident then that he needed surgery urgently. Five months later not only has he not received his surgery he has not even received a date for surgery. His mam, Pamela, has described his condition as "horrendous, just pain, just constant pain". The pain is affecting Liam's ability to eat and be fed. He cannot leave hospital because he might need medical assistance at any moment from choking episodes caused by his scoliosis. If he is left much longer he may become inoperable or so malnourished that he will not be fit for surgery. Liam needs that surgery today not in four months, not in four weeks, not in four days but today. Will the Taoiseach tell this House and Liam's family when Liam will get his surgery and what more can be done to support children with scoliosis?

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