Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

With no disrespect to the Minister of State, it is disappointing that the Minister is not present. It is even more disappointing for Sophia's father that despite repeated requests the Minister will not meet him. Consequently, we get answers which do not respond to the questions asked. Yesterday, I asked the Taoiseach when the backlog of urgent and complex will cases be addressed. The Government needs to stop trying to manipulate the figures by moving people to a suspended list. As stated by Deputy O'Reilly, only one person has had scoliosis surgery in the UK under the treatment abroad scheme, despite many people being in pain and suffering. Why has the scheme not been approved for people on the list who are urgent, complex cases? If the Minister or the Government does not fully understand what is going on, they should meet Sophia's father who will explain the problem and discuss what solutions can be found to end Sophia's suffering and the suffering of other urgent and complex cases.

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