Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for clarifying that there has been engagement with Daniel Collins's family. However, I understand there is still no surgery date. We all wish Daniel and his family well. However, the reality is there are far too many families and far too many children still awaiting necessary surgery dates. Quite apart from the trauma all those families and children are going through, there is a broader issue. Our health spokesperson, Deputy Marie Sherlock, pointed out the broader issue of systemic failure highlighted by this HIQA report.

To return to that issue of confidence, there are three fundamental questions.

Is the Taoiseach confident that the board is capable of implementing the HIQA recommendations and can guarantee the provision of safe surgeries for children who need them? Can this board manage this complex transition to the new world-class children's hospital that we all so fervently hope will be available and accessible soon to the children across Ireland who need it?

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