Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

First, we will implement the recommendations of the HIQA report. Second, there is a task force on the broader issue of paediatric spinal surgery headed by Mark Connaughton with which the Minister will meet tomorrow. In terms of governance issues, we will engage with those from now on. Instead of waiting for further investigations we will proactively look at the structures and governance framework there and respond to that. We all know that the big issue in paediatric medicine more generally is the transition from the existing hospitals to the new children's hospital. This will be the big issue. Whatever we do, and we have to implement all the recommendations, absolute focus must be on that transition to ensure it is as optimal as possible in terms of resourcing and staffing the hospital. It will be transformative, even in terms of the physical conditions at Crumlin and Temple Street hospitals compared to those at the new hospital.

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