Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy McDonald for raising this important issue. I will say at the outset, as the Ceann Comhairle has said to us before in this House, I am very conscious of discussing clinical details or, indeed, those of us discussing them who are not clinicians. I say that in a general sense but I say it in an important sense because Deputy McDonald asked me to provide operations when, of course, the decision to operate or not will always be a clinical matter. I am sure that is a view she would share. Politicians do not order operations. Clinicians decide when it is safe to operate. I say that to be helpful and to be respectful to the role of a clinician and to the situation of patients as well.

Let me say this, however. I am very aware of Harvey's case. I have been in direct contact with the chief executive officer of the HSE with regard to the matter and with my colleague, the Minister for Health. I hope that a further appointment can be made soon to clinically discuss the next steps in Harvey's care.

I believe that to be important. Yes, Harvey's mum wrote to me. Yes, when we received the correspondence, my office immediately looked into the case and yes, I responded with the information provided to me by the HSE. I am absolutely certain that what is vital here is a clinical consultation with the family. Yes, my office has been in contact with advocacy groups and I expect to meet them shortly. It will not just be a meeting with me; it will be a meeting with the new clinical lead for spinal surgery, the Minister for Health and the head of the HSE. I very much regret that children can experience long waiting times for treatment. I am conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families. I am very conscious, as a parent, how any of us would do anything and go to the ends of the earth if our child needed any sort of treatment or care. Yes, when I was Minister for Health, I met with the families of children awaiting scoliosis procedures on many occasions. I remember them. I remember their names and I remember their faces. I understand some of what they are going through, but none of us can fully imagine that anxiety, pain and worry. This is an ongoing issue. It is affecting young children and their families. We must do everything they can to help them. I assure Deputy McDonald that this Government will, and is, doing everything it can to help them. I had a very good meeting with the Minister for Health and the chief executive of the HSE on this issue. I have met with the new clinical lead of the dedicated spinal unit, Mr. David Moore, and the teams. I know that absolutely that possibly can be done to help is being done.

Many of the issues Deputy McDonald raised in this House, which I will come to in a moment, have specifically been addressed since she previously raised them. The Minister for Health is chairing monthly meetings between the HSE and Children's Health Ireland aimed at improving waiting lists. A paediatric spinal task force has been established with an independent chair, Mark Connaughton SC. This task force consists of all stakeholders, including patient representatives and clinicians. We are committing significant additional investment to help improve services as well. It is not just talk and reviews. Here are the numbers. We have already seen a very significant increase in the number of procedures carried out in 2022 and in 2023. So far this year over 300 spinal procedures have taken place. Behind each number is a child who has gotten an operation and been successfully treated in the Irish health service. A dedicated paediatric spinal surgery management unit was established by Children's Health Ireland. That is working to drive continuous improvements and a further funding of €1.34 million was allocated following a request from the new clinical lead. This includes additional staff, a Saturday outpatient clinic and capacity for MRI scans under general anaesthetic to address waiting lists. We have also seen a number of reforms undertaken to further increase capacity for spinal surgeries, such as extending the operating theatre. A ring-fenced theatre in Crumlin is now providing additional capacity as well. Deputy McDonald has previously raised the issue, as have advocacy groups, of national outsourcing. That is why we are now using capacity in Cappagh Hospital, the Blackrock Clinic and the National Treatment Purchase Fund. We also have international arrangements in place. We will do everything we possibly can to assist and make progress in this area. Of that there is no doubt. It is not a resourcing issue or a commitment issue. However, there are clinical issues, and the views of clinicians are always important in terms of care pathways too.

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