Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Catherine Murphy for giving an indication of this particular case. I would like to say that I think it must be incredibly difficult for Denise and Dermot, the parents of Finn and Shay, to have to live with the stress of what is involved here. I understand that these little boys are two and a half years of age, both have tracheostomies, both have fabulous personalities and both are in a palliative care unit with LauraLynn. It was to be for two months - it has been for five.

As the Deputy points out, it is about ensuring that there is a sustainable home care package put together for Shay and for Finn. As she also points out, it is not about money. As I understand it, the care that was being given to Finn and to Shay while at home was done by particular agency workers. The HSE is very familiar with this case. It is the most complex case that it has come across in a very long time.

It is a case now of working with a different agency to see if it is possible to put together a proper, sustainable home care package so that the two little boys can have the best of their personalities being expressed, their activity levels can be maintained and also, in respect of Denise and Dermot, the lifestyle around that is not one that has an overbearing stress load on it. I understand that the HSE is willing to meet with Denise and Dermot to discuss this. I would like to see that, while we have Shay and Finn with us, the best possible sustainable home care package can be put in place.

I thank the Deputy for bringing this case to my attention. We will keep a close eye on this, together with Denise, Dermot and the HSE, with particular focus on little Shay and little Finn. I hope the outcome can be the very best for two little boys who need nothing but the best.

See this speech in context