Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In my limited time, I want to talk about a young boy who is living in Clondalkin. Harvey Sherratt is only eight years of age and has spina bifida and scoliosis. Harvey is waiting on scoliosis surgery and was due to have it back in August 2022. Harvey has been taken to hospital by ambulance multiple times because he could not breathe and his oxygen levels were dangerously low. Harvey had his first case of pneumonia at only two years of age and even ended up in the ICU because his breathing was so bad. Harvey's dad, Stephen, sent me videos of Harvey struggling to breathe. I have to say it was absolutely heartbreaking to watch. I do not know how his family manage on a daily basis but manage they must. His ribs were quite literally crushing his lungs due to scoliosis, yet he has been left on a waiting list with zero monitoring of his condition. This kind of treatment simply cannot go on.

Right now, children are at home in immense pain because our health system is failing them. I met Harvey's father, Stephen, outside Leinster House today. Harvey's parents and other parents are pushing for an independent task force to be implemented and for better access to care and treatment for their children's needs. I welcome him and all the other families, parents and campaigners to the Public Gallery. I particularly want to mention Hugh O'Rourke, an amazing young man from Lucan who is 17 years of age. I wish him every success as he attempts to sit his leaving certificate examinations next year. Families should not have to fight but fight they must. I call on all public representatives to support the Sinn Féin motion. I call on the Government to withdraw its motion - it is the right thing to do - and help us to ensure that our children get the care and timely treatment they have been denied for so long.

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