Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

This is complex but complications can also arise for these children as a result of having to wait. Their condition can deteriorate to the point where surgery may not be viable. This morning, I spoke to a parent who asked what will happen to children who are left with permanent impairment as a result of delays.

Whether we accept the extent to which they are being dealt with effectively, we all acknowledge that there are delays. Will the Minister apologise to those children and consider offering them some form of compensation? Some of them will live with this damage for the rest of their lives. They are still young.

I want to draw attention again to the fact that the theatre in Crumlin hospital is still only open three days a week. If it was open five days a week, that would be a statement of intent that we are serious about sorting out the problem.

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