Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)

I support the Government’s motion of confidence in the Tánaiste, Simon Harris. I know the Tánaiste to be hard working, to be diligent, to be caring and solution driven. As Minister for foreign affairs he is showing leadership in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the war in Ukraine. That is the type of leadership I support and not the political theatre we have seen this week from Aontú in particular.

Before I go further, I want to address the tragic death of Harvey Morrison Sherratt. Harvey’s passing has been heartbreaking and devastating for his family. It has raised the public’s concerns for failures in the system and exposed unacceptable delays in paediatric spinal care that must be urgently addressed. Delay and neglect cause pain, suffering and anguish and leave a lasting mark on the lives of these children and their parents.

We know the Tánaiste and the Minister for Health, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, met Harvey’s parents, Gillian and Stephen, and other advocates. They agreed to work in partnership on the structure of an inquiry into scoliosis and spina bifida services. This is an important step and demonstrates a genuine commitment to ensuring issues are identified and acted on. Alongside this, significant additional investment has been allocated to strengthen paediatric spinal services, including a ring-fenced theatre and additional outpatient clinics. National and international outsourcing is being activated to maximise capacity and reduce waiting times for patients. A paediatric spinal services management unit, led by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and supported by a multidisciplinary team, has also been established to ensure patients are prioritised appropriately and that waiting times are reduced.

Deputy Tóibín has choreographed a moment in the spotlight to grab more time in front of the cameras. As a long-serving Member of this Parliament, I consider it to be cynical and opportunistic. It is one thing to highlight a problem; it is another thing to use it as a megaphone without a plan which risks turning genuine suffering into political theatrics. We should not be diverted from the vital task of improving paediatric spinal care by deliberate orchestrated political manoeuvring. This is a grandstanding proposal that does nothing to improve our health service or the workings of government.

Deputy Tóibín’s actions weaken the seriousness of debate around the very substantial and complex issues involved. Our constituents who elect us implore us to work to the best of our abilities to collaborate, to implement reforms and to deliver well-resourced services with accountability, efficiency and productivity. Ireland needs accountability, especially when it comes to protecting our children but political gain should never come at the cost of dignity, particularly when children are involved. The line between advocacy and opportunism is thin. Sinn Féin and Aontú’s strategy is more about visibility than impact. Advocacy should be rooted in empathy and constructive action and not outrage alone. Constant criticism without offering constructive and practical alternatives can make things worse, not better.

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