Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to begin by thanking everyone for taking part in this very important debate. I echo the Minister's opening remarks. She stated that she is awaiting the final report of the clinical audit into surgeries for DDH in the coming weeks before any conclusions can be drawn on the matter. The Minister has gone on record as saying she would welcome a debate once she has received the report and it is published. Obviously, confidentiality aspects will have to be taken into account, but it is important to have a really meaningful debate based on a report compiled by an expert international surgeon. We have to have that clinical audit completed. Further details will be shared once the procedures process concludes. It is correct to respect confidentiality and due process.

As the Minister indicated, this is an important issue, especially for the families involved and particularly their children. This is about children. As a parent, I know the impact that has on children and, in particular, parents. We all value our children. I imagine it is very difficult for the parents. It is a very worrying time for children and their families. The Minister has committed to ensuring they will be kept informed as we move through the process and that the final HSE data will be shared with them once completed.

CHI and National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh have written to families in recent weeks and provided contact details for queries that patients or their families may have in advance of the final report. As the Minister stated, pending completion of the audit, all DDH cases are being reviewed through a single process before any decisions in respect of surgery are finalised. This process includes clinicians from Crumlin, Temple Street and Cappagh. Plans are being put in place for clinical follow-up in line with good practice and it is required to consider any recommendations to the final report. It is really the basis for that meaningful discussion out of respect for everyone, particularly the parents and their children, and have that debate in the House to have a meaningful structure based on a final report. A communication plan is being developed to support the publication of the final report and further communication with parents and families.

The Government will continue to work to improve services for children and young people. The Minister will work to continue to raise standards and instil confidence in patient safety among the public. The key focus now is on getting the report finalised, which is due to the Minister relatively soon. She has given a commitment on the floor of the House that she would very much welcome a debate on the final report with everyone involved in order to do justice to the families and their children.

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