Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of Ms Megan Halvey Ryan and her family, I appeal directly to the Minister here in the Chamber to intervene in her case, which was highlighted last night. Megan is 13 and suffers from scoliosis. The curvatures measured 83° on her top curve and 65° on her lower curve. She has a very high degree of rib rotation which means her internal organs are being squashed. Her consultant says she needs surgery immediately and she is still on the waiting list.

Megan cannot attend school. She has problems eating and breathing and this is due to her rib configuration because of the condition. She has poor quality of life. She is on medication to get through the day and to sleep at night.

Two years have passed since Megan's diagnosis and she has been on the waiting list in Crumlin for 18 months. Can the Minister arrange for her to receive the care and the procedure which she needs as soon as possible? Her consultant has requested it from the private sector and the Minister has the wherewithal to arrange it.

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