Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious that there are probably many families at home watching this meeting. My question is, and the question those families are probably asking, is there a plan in place for their children? CHI might come back with a written answer.

Ms Hardiman stated CHI reached out to the 19 families in respect of Temple Street but I am thinking of the broader cohort of families who are affected. What are the waiting times those families are facing? We are all conscious we were told there would be no child waiting more than four months for surgery. It has gone far longer than that. There has been a suggestion that some of the children may have to travel abroad or go to CHI Crumlin. There is a cohort of children, however, whom going abroad or being seen at CHI Crumlin will not suit. Is there a plan in place in that regard?

I am conscious that we, as a committee, may have further hearings on the issue. I appreciate the witnesses' time and effort. Our discussion today was heated at times. People are extremely concerned about this issue. I am conscious of the apologies made in the opening statement and so on. I hope that gives some sort of succour to families but I do not know if it will. The inquiry is important. Meetings with the advocacy groups, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health will take place tomorrow. I wish them well in that regard. I believe there will be discussion of the terms of reference and so on.

Unfortunately, we have run out of time. I thank the representatives of CHI for their engagement with the committee on the important matter of spinal surgery at Temple Street hospital. The committee will carefully consider today's discussions as well as other developments in the matter in deciding how to proceed with its consideration of it. We may decide to have further public sessions on the matter.