Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)

I am raising the tragic case of Jamie Murphy because I want to obtain the facts. Jamie and her family are constituents of mine in lovely Graiguenamanagh in County Kilkenny. This little girl suffers from spina bifida and scoliosis, and she requires an extremely delicate operation to address the latter. The Murphy family were informed that their daughter would have the necessary operation. A few days later, however, they were informed that, due to cutbacks, ward closures and problems with intensive care units, it would not be performed. Jamie's parents are very clear in their understanding of what was said during their conversation with her consultant.

I wish to be seek information on two matters. First, has this little girl's operation been deferred as a result of severe limitations on the service from a resource point of view? Second, if this is not the case and if Jamie is fit enough for this difficult surgery, when will she have her operation. If Jamie's operation is considered an emergency and has been deferred as a result of resource constraints, then that is a shocking indictment of our society and how it cares for children who are very ill. The hallmark of a civilised society is how it cares for the old, the young and children who are very ill.

It may be the case that conflicting signals are emanating from Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin. In such circumstances, I want its representatives and Jamie's parents to sit down together in order to chart a way forward for her. Jamie should have her operation as soon as possible. I am well aware that there are many children like Jamie. Recession or no recession, we must care for those in need. Jamie Murphy is a little girl in need.

This case is extremely distressing. I met Jamie's parents and I am aware that they are extremely stressed with regard to her health. I cannot and will not accept the cancellation of Jamie's surgery, particularly if the latter is considered an emergency and also if the decision not to proceed was due to resource constraints.

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