James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

First, it is essential that this conversation start with the people - Harvey and his parents Stephen and Gillian and the many more incredible advocates acting with courage on behalf of their children and all those who have been impacted. I understand the Tánaiste and the Minister for Health met a number of weeks ago with Harvey's parents and they agreed to work in partnership on the structure of an inquiry into spina bifida and scoliosis services and to hold a further meeting in a number of weeks. I understand from the Minister that paediatric spinal services are a priority for the Government under the Waiting List Action Plan 2025 and are overseen by the waiting list action plan task force.

I am very anxious to see movement and progress on this. I also welcome the recent key appointments by the Minister for Health to the Children's Health Ireland board, including Dr. Yvonne Traynor as chairperson, along with Mr. Fergus Finlay and Ms Suzanne Garvey.

I echo what the Taoiseach said in his opening remarks - that this Government is steadfast and determined to engage robustly on matters faced by the families that have been impacted. I also acknowledge that we have more things to do for those families and their children in services and communications.

I also echo the Taoiseach's earlier remarks about the determination of the Government to deliver a transformative programme of work in this area in partnership with the Tánaiste. As someone who's own sister has spina bifida and hydrocephalus, I am aware that parents and carers know best for their children.

I put on record today my own engagement with the Tánaiste, Simon Harris, in particular in recent months in my role as Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. It is my true and fair experience of the Tánaiste that he works exceptionally hard with his Government colleagues with a focus on implementing the programme for Government to make our country a better place for all. The programme for Government itself is an ambitious plan and contains significant commitments in housing. The Tánaiste has been clear from the start of his term that housing and the delivery of homes for people across the country are a major priority for him.

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