Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

We need to appreciate that the backdrop to this is that the State has failed the children who are most medically challenged. Despite repeated promises, the scoliosis plan, three Ombudsman's reports, three reviews which have been completed, umpteen Dáil debates and umpteen media reports, we still do not have adequate services for those vulnerable children. It is no wonder that trust has broken down and this week's events have not helped in any way. There is an impasse there at the moment. We need solutions and we need to be able to move on.

The advocacy groups have asked for two things. The first has been conceded, which is that the Taoiseach will meet them this week, and I welcome that. The second is that the terms of reference for the latest review have input from them. I think that is perfectly reasonable. I know what the Minister is saying, that it is up to the doctor concerned to extend the terms of reference if he believes that is necessary. I want the Minister to go further than that and the parents want him to go further than that. They want him to mandate the doctor to take on board their concerns about the terms of reference. Will he do that?

See this speech in context