Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

I am disappointed the Minister is not present to take this matter, particularly in view of the fact it has been raised by Deputies from three different parties, one of which is in government. I do not normally comment in detail on health policy or health cases. I usually leave that to my party's spokesperson on health. However, what is happening at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, is such a disgrace that as many people as possible must see to it that the cases of the individuals affected by ward and theatre closures are raised. There is also an obligation on all Members to speak for their constituents when they are directly affected by what is taking place at the hospital.

It is not an exaggeration to say that keeping five and six year old children who have complicated, painful and severe spinal deformities and who require surgery on waiting lists for up to six months, or indefinitely in some instances, is a form of State-imposed child abuse. I do not make that comment lightly and I am particularly aware of the debate that took place in this House in the past seven days.

I wish to focus on the case of Conor Coughlan, a young boy from my constituency, who is seven years of age. Due to the fact that his spine is S-shaped and he is a growing child, Conor had what are referred to as "growing rods" inserted into his back on 17 April 2008. Essentially, these steel rods are inserted into one's back in order to try to straighten one's spine. On 13 November 2008, those rods were extended. Conor had been informed that as he grows, the rods will have to be extended. He was due to have them extended again last month. However, when his parents contacted the hospital they were informed he should return in November, one year after the rods were previously extended. This was despite the fact the rods are supposed to be extended on a six-monthly basis.

The Taoiseach recently stated here that necessary emergency surgeries in Crumlin are not being affected by cutbacks. It may well be the case that there is a need to identify further efficiencies at the hospital and that the staff to patient ratios do not compare well with hospitals in other jurisdictions. If we need to bring about change in this regard, that is fine. However, such change should not be achieved at the expense of five and six year old children who face enough challenges without being asked to wait six months for vital surgery. These children have deformed spines and a series of other complications that could be solved through the carrying out of basic operations provided by highly skilled professionals at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. The latter cannot carry out such operations as a result of ward closures and a lack of availability of theatre time there and at other locations.

I am glad Deputy White is also raising this matter. I appeal to her party, which has significant influence over the major party in government, to be brave and to take a stand on this issue. Children and their families are relying on people such as Deputy White to take a stand.

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