Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important matter. I do not have the information to hand but from my memory, I understand that there was a pain consultant working within Children's Health Ireland, I think in Crumlin, who left the position for a variety of reasons. I wish the consultant well and understand this person was very highly regarded by patients and families who are really feeling that loss. The last time I checked I understand the HSE was in the process of trying to recruit a replacement. On foot of the Deputy's query, I will take the individual details of the cases he has referenced and ask the HSE to respond to him directly. I will also find out where they are at in terms of recruitment of a new, full-time consultant. In the interim the HSE was trying to put together a multidisciplinary team, which sounds similar to what the Deputy was saying, but I understand that is not the same as what the families want and need. I will revert to the Deputy directly and will ask the HSE to come back on the specific cases.

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