Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

On a point of order, seeing that my Private Members' business was referenced, the motion asked for ideas from all Members of the House. All parties, with the exception of the Social Democrats, contributed in that respect. The Government allowed the motion to be passed to allow the ideas to be assessed and reported on in six months' time. It was a motion on the consequences of antisocial behaviour.

I note the Seanad recently passed all Stages of the Health (Scoliosis Treatment Services) Bill 2024, which aims to set up a specialised scoliosis treatment service for children and adults, resourcing services within and outside the State, and creating maximum waiting time targets. The Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, said she really welcomed the Bill. She said it should not be necessary if surgeries were carried out, but at the time of the summer recess, 74 children had spent more than three months on the active spinal waiting list, or more than 50% outside the Sláintecare targets. So, while some progress has been made, it has been incredibly slow. It has caused devastation and heartbreak for many families. In this context, will the Government agree to move the Bill through Second Stage? It has been well debated in the Seanad and deserves further deliberation in this House.

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