Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

Yesterday, I attended the briefing in the audiovisual room and listened to the parents and families of children on the waiting list. My heart goes out to them. I welcome that the Government has committed to an inquiry and I urge that this happens as soon as possible. It is right to acknowledge that we are not where we need to be in addressing urgent problems in spinal care, despite the sincere efforts of successive Ministers. Strengthening governance and oversight, driving down waiting times and ensuring increased engagement and timely communication with families must be a priority.

A number of initiatives are under way to help to improve access to services, but we must listen to and work with parents and the advocacy groups that are highlighting hugely worrying and important issues. I will work with the Minister for Health to support her and the rest of the Government in this work and I look forward to an inquiry taking place. The family of Harvey and the families of all other children who are suffering deserve that. We must work to ensure a culture change so that families can have trust in the system. I support the Tánaiste, Deputy Harris, today. He is a committed public servant and he feels the pain of this subject deeply. He has my full support.

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