Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

I also join in the condolences offered to Harvey's family. I speak today conscious that much more needs to be done to improve our spinal services for children. The parents of children waiting for spinal surgery have real and genuine concerns and the Government must address those concerns. All parents want the best for their children and every opportunity for their future and rightly so.

As one of the negotiators for the programme for Government, I can say it contains a specific commitment to deliver improvements in paediatric orthopaedic services to ensure children with scoliosis and spina bifida are treated quickly and safely. It is welcome that the number of spinal procedures completed up to the end of August this year is up 13% on last year and that the number of patients on the CHI active spinal waiting list is down 10%. However, these figures are of little or no consolation to the children who are currently on waiting lists. That is why we need to do more to ensure children who need surgery get it speedily and safely.

The Tánaiste is personally committed to improving spinal services for children and I assure the House that is a commitment shared across government. Therefore, we must drive on to deliver the improvements that are needed as quickly as possible. The Government has a programme of work to complete. It is a programme of work that seeks to serve the country and its people across a myriad of areas, including services for children in need of specialist medical treatment. It behoves all of us in government, and I suggest all of us elected to this esteemed House, to work collectively and cohesively in the best interests of those who elect us and their families. There is a job to do. Let us get on with the job.

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