Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising the very important case of Liam. It is one with which I am very familiar because I have heard from many of Liam's family and friends. Many of them have written to me, as have many people in his community. Of course, it is a case that case has garnered, quite rightly, much public attention. While I am reluctant to talk too much about any individual patient on the record of the Dáil, I do know that Liam was admitted to hospital while he awaits spinal surgery. This course of action was recommended by the doctors and nurses who are caring for him and who are due to operate on him later this month. This is an extraordinarily anxious time for his parents, his family and for him and I wish them the very best. Liam had a consultation with his consultant in April and as the Deputy rightly said, his surgery is scheduled for two weeks' time. The spinal assistant director of nursing has been in contact with Liam's mum this month and has explained the preoperative pathway.

I have been assured that the spinal team, comprising the doctors and nurses, will support Pam and Liam through the surgery. They continue to closely clinically monitor Liam's situation.

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