Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The most important line, from our perspective in the south east and south Tipperary, in the Minister of State's response is, "a sustainable, long-term solution for the provision of paediatric palliative care services in the south east is under development". Will the Minister of State explain what that means? What is the timescale involved? When can we expect to have a wide-ranging full palliative care service available to the people of south Tipperary? We were told in 2020 it had progressed and now we find ourselves, at the end of the year 2022, still talking about developing the services. Will the Minister of State, please, put a timeline on it?

I will put on the record that this family's ordeal brought forth the best in people while also highlighting, as the Minister of State admits, the glaring gaps in what is a vital service provision. My concern and that of the family involved here is that the trauma inflicted on this family can never be allowed to happen to another family. It can and will happen if the services are not put in place. If we, as elected representatives of the people, cannot ensure the needs of terminally ill children are fully provided for, none of us deserves to sit in this House. It requires urgent attention. I know the Minister of State empathises with the problem and I ask her to make sure these services are brought on stream as quickly as possible.

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