Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)

It is the first day back in the Dáil and it is important that we talk about Harvey Morrison Sherratt. Harvey was born with complex health conditions, including spina bifida and scoliosis. Harvey spent years on waiting lists for life-changing spinal surgery. Harvey died on 29 July this year. Harvey was just nine years of age. Harvey lived in my area of Clondalkin and, over the last couple of years, I have got to know his parents. I was away when Harvey died but I took the time to contact his parents to offer them my heartfelt condolences. When I returned home, my first port of call was to visit the family to offer my condolences. I take this opportunity to publicly offer my heartfelt condolences to Harvey's parents, Gillian and Stephen, their wider family, their neighbours and their friends on the loss of Harvey. I pledge to continue to support them in their fight for justice for Harvey and to ensure that no other child has to suffer the way he did. I spoke to Harvey's dad, Stephen, just this morning in the car on my way in here. He informed me that the family have yet to receive any words of condolence from the Minister for Health. This is the very least the Minister could do.

Harvey may have died but, from speaking with his parents, I know that only strengthened their resolve to get justice for him. They are calling for an independent statutory public inquiry into spina bifida and scoliosis care at CHI. CHI is responsible for the oversight and management of waiting lists. It has also allowed non-medical grade devices to be placed into children. This is inhumane, negligent and, in my opinion, downright criminal.

Last year, I spoke about Harvey being removed from CHI waiting lists for urgent scoliosis surgery without the consent or knowledge of his parents. The Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Harris, said back in 2017 that no child would have to wait more than four months for surgery. The Tánaiste broke his promise to Harvey and to other children. Harvey spent more than three years waiting on life-changing surgery. While his parents waited, their lives were on hold while Harvey suffered. During Harvey's three years on the waiting list, his spinal curve caused his ribcage to twist around his lungs and heart, severely restricting his breathing. We have all seen that heart-wrenching video that was put on social media. Harvey spent the last two Christmases of his very short life in hospital. Eventually, Harvey underwent the first of two spinal operations but it was too late. However, there was remarkable improvement in that short time. His breathing improved and he started eating solid food for the first time in six years. However, by the time these operations took place, the curvature in his spine was so severe that the outcome was tragically limited compared to the situation had Deputy Harris kept his promise that this surgery would be done within four months.

This morning, we heard of more increased waiting times for children with scoliosis. Unless there is a radical overhaul of CHI and real accountability, including at ministerial level, Harvey will never get justice and there will be more Harveys. We have a chance to do the right thing here. Harvey's legacy must be that there will be no more Harveys and that he gets justice.

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