Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I acknowledge that at the centre of this issue is heartache. This is personal for children with scoliosis on waiting lists and their families. It should not be a moment of division or political point scoring. It needs to be a moment of doubling down on our efforts to deliver for them. The tragic death of Harvey Morrison Sherratt touched the lives of people across Ireland. We think of his parents, Gillian and Stephen, and their families and the parents and families of children who need and deserve better access to improved services.

All Simon Harris has ever wanted to do is improve access to better public services. That is why in 2009, he stood for election to Wicklow County Council. Policies were personal to him. Since then he has devoted his entire career and adult life to improving public services. His work ethic, integrity and genuine compassion have always been at the heart of how he serves. During our darkest days, Simon led our nation through the Covid-19 pandemic. He transformed how we deliver apprenticeships and on behalf of the people of Ireland, he recognised the State of Palestine, creating ripple effects which led to the UK, Canada and Australia following suit. Simon represents us with distinction at home and abroad and diplomacy has never been more important than it is in today's geopolitical climate. It has never been more important that good people with good intentions go into politics than it is in today's negative political climate. We need more people like Simon. We need more people with his courage, commitment and compassion. I have absolute and full confidence in him as Tánaiste.

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