Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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I move:

That Dáil Éireann has confidence in the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris T.D.

I am conscious that at the centre of all of this is real human anguish. There is the grief of Harvey Morrison Sherratt's parents, Gillian and Stephen, and his wider family circle and there is the anguish of too many children and young people and their families who are in the process of trying to access services or who have struggled to access services in the past. I want to begin my contribution by offering my personal condolences again to Harvey's family on their terrible loss and by acknowledging that as a country we need to do much better when it comes to healthcare services, and in particular spinal services for our children.

I respect Deputy Tóibín's good faith and acknowledge his genuine concern, as I do with all Deputies in this House. My only frustration with the course of action that the Deputy had indicated he was going to take is that motions of confidence or, indeed, of no confidence do not in and of themselves provide services or address the challenges that we are all concerned about.

I want to assure the House and the families listening to this debate that as a Government we are steadfast and determined in our efforts to address these challenges. These efforts include strengthening governance and oversight, driving down waiting times and ensuring increased engagement and timely communications with families of patients with a view to building a better and responsive service.

This latter point is important because, quite apart from the quality of care provided to children, the level and quality of communication between clinicians and parents in many cases has been far short of what should reasonably be expected. We know this through a succession of existing and pending reports about the corporate and clinical governance concerns at Children's Health Ireland, CHI. Most recently, in response to this, governance and oversight structures have been strengthened at CHI with the appointment of Dr. Yvonne Traynor as chairperson of the board and two additional board members, Fergus Finlay and Suzanne Garvey. This builds on four previous appointments earlier this year. I thank those involved for their contribution.

In addition, the Minister for Health recently announced her intention to fully integrate CHI into the HSE, given that the National Children's Hospital Ireland will be the central hub for paediatric care. I strongly support the Minister in this decision. Indeed, the Minister and the Tánaiste have been engaged with families and advocates in respect of the structure and need for an inquiry into the overall issues pertaining to CHI. This step, bringing CHI under the aegis of the HSE, will bring coherence of governance across paediatric services and support smoother pathways of care for children, delivering lasting benefits for families across the country, and it will be an important step in the continued reform of the provision of health services for children and young people.

The HSE CEO has also established the CHI improvement steering group to co-ordinate oversight of the range of matters of focus in CHI, including the implementation of recommendations from completed reviews, upcoming reports, spinal services and the commissioning of the new children's hospital. It will continue to strongly invest in services and in tackling waiting lists, particularly for spinal procedures, by increasing capacity and substantial resources, and several initiatives are under way to improve access to those services, including a ring-fenced theatre, additional outpatient clinics and national and international outsourcing to maximise capacity. There are additional procedures every year, but not enough and we need to do much more.

A new orthopaedic spinal surgeon has started with CHI since 11 August and is already having a significant impact on waiting lists. The paediatric spinal services management unit is now ensuring that patients are prioritised correctly for surgery and works to reduce waiting times, and has now dedicated pathways for GPs to refer a patient to CHI, which ensures that urgent cases will be prioritised. Spinal services remain a priority under the waiting list action plan in 2025 and every effort is being made to reduce the time children and families are waiting for spinal procedures.

For many children and young people, successful surgery can significantly enhance their lives and can really improve prospects and so forth, but for many, it is the beginning of a long journey living with disability. As a Government, we are committed to doing more and doing better when it comes to disability. That means a step change in how services are provided and in how disabled people and their families are supported to live their lives to the fullest extent possible.

The primacy of the family and the interaction of services with the family is something that has to be dramatically transformed and enhanced. It is not good enough at the moment. There are many people working extremely hard and with the best of good will in our services and we will continue to increase funding and resources to meet the challenges ahead.

The new national human rights strategy for disabled people is a significant step forward and represents a commitment that all disabled people should be able to live the lives of their choosing without barriers. We are determined to deliver a transformative programme of work across the full range of issues that affect people in their daily lives, such as education, employment, income supports and active participation in society through culture, housing and sport. We are backing those commitments with record levels of investment as part of the updated national development plan, and the budget represents a further step in this direction.

In all of this and much more, the Tánaiste has been an active and steadfast partner. He has been a diligent and very dedicated and effective Minister for foreign affairs and Defence in an uncertain and increasingly fraught geopolitical world. He has articulated Ireland's commitment to human rights and the rules-based international order eloquently and without fear or favour. Together we have provided unparalleled leadership in Europe in response to the war in Gaza, we have been strong in our support for the people of Ukraine following Russia's invasion and we are steering our country through the perils of ever-changing US trade policy.

We are improving our health service for the better. We are making the investment necessary to build the houses the country needs and to deliver the core energy, water and transport infrastructure that will be the bedrock of our country's success for generations to come. We are investing in our Garda and Defence Forces to keep our people safe. We are tackling inequality and ensuring our young people are among the best educated in the world. We understand the fundamentals that underpin our economic success and we are committed to protecting and promoting them. We are committed to eradicating child poverty. We are building the country's financial strength to withstand further economic headwinds. We are doing all of these things and more based on a strong mandate, a relationship of trust and respect and an ambitious programme for Government.

It is worth pointing out that we went to the country less than a year ago. The Government is about nine months old. The Irish people made their judgment in that election on the performance of the previous Government. I respectfully suggest it was at variance with Deputy Tóibín's approach. This led to the re-election of the Fianna Fáil Party and the Fine Gael Party, along with Independent Deputies, into government to deal with very unsettled times. We got a very clear mandate from the people only less than a year ago. That is an important point when motions of no confidence are indicated. My Government is responding with a vote of confidence.

Fundamentally we have to focus on the provision of services. I get that fully, but I respectfully suggest the tabling of motions of no confidence in themselves is not going to do that. We need a very clear focus on resources and on how we structurally change the delivery of health services, particularly for children and those who need spinal services at the right time in their journey, recovery and what is clinically indicated as being the right time. The Tánaiste and I, and the entire Government including the Minister for Health, are very committed to doing that. I commend the motion of confidence to the House.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The House gathers today less than a year since the last general election, as the Taoiseach reminds us, and just over 250 days since the Government was formed. The Thirty-fourth Dáil sits at a time of global uncertainty and geopolitical turbulence. It was in this context that the people made their choice at the last election and the resultant Dáil has very serious business to do on their behalf. We have just seen the first of five budgets which will seek to create the conditions for our country to maintain a strong economy, protect jobs, improve public services and build for our future. We are making a record investment in housing and infrastructure and we are pulling every policy lever at our disposal to dramatically address this major challenge.

The Department of Health now has a budget of over €27 billion, and this record allocation is being accompanied by a significant programme of reform to enable faster and fairer care. The level of investment in disability services this year is truly a step change compared with all previous years, and it needs to be. The Government is deeply committed to overseeing delivery and making sure this huge financial investment actually makes a difference in the lives of people who so desperately need it.

These are some of the major issues of concern to the Irish public and their expectation is that we will be relentless in making progress and working together on these matters. In my experience, most Members of this House seek to work constructively to do just that. I have always endeavoured to work on many issues on a cross-party basis. It is often when we do our best work. I can think of examples such as Sláintecare and referendum campaigns. More recently, I was glad to work with Members across the House to support Irish citizens on the Global Sumud Flotilla.

In every capacity in which I have served, I have always taken responsibility and accounted for my actions before this House and before the Seanad, in committees, in public and, crucially, at the ballot box. I have acknowledged time and again that we are not where we need to be in addressing ongoing deficits in the care of children in spinal services, despite the sincere efforts of successive Ministers, Governments and taoisigh.

I am very conscious of the tragic loss of Harvey Morrison Sherratt and I have expressed directly my deep sorrow to his parents, Gillian and Stephen. In recent times, further significant concerns have been raised in relation to spinal services and I, the Minister for Health, the Taoiseach and the Government have responded by saying we must listen to and work with parents and advocacy groups who are highlighting hugely worrying and important issues. We must humbly listen and act. This has been the purpose of my engagement with Harvey's family and other parent advocates. It has been what the Taoiseach, the Minister and I have been working on over the last number of weeks. Like Members across the House, I have been overwhelmed by the passion and determination of these families, who have already been through so much but are acting out of a deep commitment to getting better care for others.

Members of all political parties and Independent colleagues attended a briefing in the audiovisual room yesterday, as did the Minister for Health, and heard the most distressing and convincing testimony supporting the need for an inquiry. All Members who attended and spoke at the briefing were united and constructive in their response. We have agreed to work in partnership on the structure of an inquiry into spina bifida and scoliosis services, with a further meeting to take place shortly with Gillian and Stephen and representative groups. In this House, the Government will work with anyone who wants to work constructively to make progress on this matter. That is my priority in responding to these important matters and I know it is the priority of the entire Government.

When the Government came into office in January of this year, we promised to put people before politics. It was and remains our commitment to service, to responsibility and to the belief that public office carries with it a duty to enter Government and use our time as elected representatives to deliver progress. On the day the Government was formed, Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and our Independent colleagues made a conscious choice. We set aside differences, not because it was easy but because it was the right thing to do for our country. Over the course of the past nine months, we have set about honouring the democratic mandate given to us by the Irish people.

Acting on this mandate, we have launched the largest capital plan in the history of the State, investing €102.4 billion over the next five years. It is a plan built not on headlines but on homes, hospitals, schools, transport and the foundations of a fair economy. One in every three euro in that plan is dedicated to housing because we know that without a secure home, no other part of a person's life can truly take root. To make this funding deliver requires reform of planning, land use, construction, finance and local delivery - the key enablers. We have introduced rent pressure zones nationwide, providing certainty and stability. We have changed apartment standards and introduced a series of measures in last week's budget to stimulate supply and tackle vacancy and dereliction. Shortly, we will publish a new housing plan, which will reaffirm the Government's commitment to deliver the homes our country needs.

I know a republic is judged not just by what it builds but by how it cares, and in the area of disability we have so much work to do. We have sought to, and we must, move beyond aspiration to action. I am pleased the Minister, Deputy Foley, and the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton, have overseen a record level of investment in disability services, with an increase of over €618 million in extra funding in last week's budget. What matters now is how we use it.

We have been engaging directly with parents, carers, advocates and people such as Cara Darmody, listening to their voices and trying to act on what they tell us. We have doubled the fund dedicated to assisting parents accessing assessments of need. We are trying to listen and respond. The Minister, Deputy McEntee, has established a national therapy service, putting therapists in special schools, with the roll-out in 45 schools this year and more to follow. It is a start, not a finish, and we will and must go further. I have long believed, and I know the Taoiseach has long believed, that children with additional needs should not have to fight the system for the services they need. The system must be changed to support them. We are working every day to make this a reality.

In my own direct areas of responsibility of foreign affairs and defence, we have continued to stand shoulder to shoulder with those in crisis, with the people of Ukraine defending their sovereignty and with civilians in Gaza facing intolerable suffering.

Ireland's voice on the world stage has remained rooted in human rights, peace and humanitarian law. We have provided record levels of assistance because neutrality can never mean indifference. Compassion must be matched by action. In defence, we have delivered record funding to our Defence Forces and are on the trajectory to reach level of ambition 2. This is not simply about equipment; it is about respect for the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann, who serve and respond in storms, at sea, in search and rescue operations and in peacekeeping missions. They are often unseen but never unnoticed.

Throughout my time in public life, as Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Minister for Health, Minister for further and higher education, Minister for Justice, Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, I have always tried to work hard in service of the people. I have never claimed to be infallible but I do act in good faith. When I err and make mistakes, I acknowledge them. I do not always get everything right, but let us distinguish scrutiny from cynicism and accountability from opportunism. Let us reduce the toxicity in political debate. I respect every Member of this House because each one carries a mandate directly from the Irish people. We must not permit the framing of debate to be decided by those who view politics as a zero-sum game composed of confrontation rather than conviction. Political leadership matters. It matters whether we lean towards polarisation or towards solidarity. It matters whether we cultivate division or seek to build on what unites us. Our priority, my priority, remains the same. It is to work to build a country in which every person, regardless of their starting point, has the support and opportunity to live with dignity. That must be our North Star. We are not satisfied that there are still many areas where we have significant deficiencies and major improvements to make. We must be restless to do more. We are committed to delivering and working in partnership and in good faith. That is the duty of Government and the duty that guides me each and every day. It will continue to do so as this Government fulfils the mandate given to us by the Irish people and as I continue to fulfil mine.

Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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Back in January, I made a decision as an Independent TD to engage constructively in the formation of a new Government. My focus was simple. I wished to ensure the ambitions we have for Ireland could be realised in a practical, balanced and fair way. Throughout that process, I found the Tánaiste, Simon Harris, to be honest and open, willing to share ideas and genuinely committed to reaching consensus. Those early discussions were not about power or position but about policy, priorities and people. The Tánaiste showed integrity, determination and the ability to listen. That is what real leadership looks like. Since entering government, the Independent group of Ministers of State and I have worked closely with our partners to deliver on the programme for Government. It is built on respect, dialogue and a shared focus on outcomes.

From the outset, the Government set out a vision to deliver a fairer, more sustainable and more resilient Ireland. We are now beginning to see that vision take shape. The revised national development plan is a cornerstone of that progress. It is a plan with transformational intent and tangible impact. It will see €275.4 billion in public capital investment to 2035. This is not investment for headlines but investment that will secure Ireland's future, unlocking new housing supply, modernising our water and energy systems, upgrading our roads and regional connectivity, improving our health infrastructure, expanding renewable generation and ensuring public transport becomes the first choice of more people in every county. We are building capacity for a growing population, a more innovative economy and a greener way of living. This is the true measure of progress.

Just last week, the Government delivered the largest budget in the history of the State. This is not a one-off gesture but the first step in a multi-year plan to address real issues for those who need support. It delivers on our programme for Government commitments, tackling cost-of-living pressures, supporting families, investing in public services and building a fairer society.

Now more than ever, Ireland needs stability. We are operating in a time of global uncertainty and that demands consistent leadership. We need a stable Government that can take the long view, not one that is distracted by political noise or short-term thinking. There is still much to do over the remaining years of this Government but the ambition is clear, the pathway is set and the partnership is working. The goals laid out in the programme for Government, from housing and healthcare to rural development, environmental action and economic resilience, cannot be achieved overnight. They require steady hands and a shared commitment.

The Tánaiste's role, both as a national leader and as Minister for foreign affairs, has been vital in ensuring that Ireland's voice remains calm, principled and consistent on the world stage. At a time of extraordinary turbulence, from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, he has led with compassion and conviction. Ireland's reputation abroad is built on principle and humanity. The Tánaiste has embodied both. He has represented Ireland in a way that commands respect. Within the European Union and globally, the Tánaiste has been a force for stability, reason and leadership. He has not shied away from difficult positions or challenging conversations. He has stood up and spoken out when it was not easy or popular to do so but when it was necessary. This is what true leadership looks like. Leadership is not about chasing headlines or popularity polls. It is about standing firm in your convictions, being honest with the people and doing what is right even when it is difficult. The Tánaiste has shown those qualities time and again both at home and abroad. For that reason and for his steadfast commitment to the responsibilities of high office, I have no hesitation in supporting the motion of confidence in the Tánaiste. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty for the people of Ireland and our standing in the world.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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The motion tabled today by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil is a move cynically designed to intercept and shut down a prospective motion of no confidence in the Tánaiste, Simon Harris, to shield him from being held to account for his litany of failures, but primarily his profound failure of children with scoliosis and spina bifida. The pace with which the Government moved to protect Simon Harris today stands in very marked contrast to the constant delay that is the hallmark of his failure of some of the most vulnerable in our society. The making and breaking of promises has come to define his time in office as Minister for Health, as Taoiseach and now as Tánaiste. His broken promises have caused deep hurt, pain and anger for many people and have damaged lives in the most serious way.

It is important to say that the call for a motion of no confidence in Simon Harris and the call for him to resign did not originate here in the Dáil. Those calls came directly from a groundswell of public anger that grew throughout the weeks of late summer, conveyed in protests and marches following the harrowing death of nine-year-old Harvey Morrison Sherratt, who suffered from scoliosis and spina bifida. These calls for justice were supported by Harvey's heartbroken parents, Gillian and Stephen. There is nothing toxic or cynical in their calls for accountability and justice. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Their heartache, hurt and anger can be traced back and connected to the promise made by the Tánaiste in 2017 when, as Minister for Health, he promised that no child would wait more than four months for spinal surgery. What that promise meant to those children and their families should never be underestimated. They took Simon Harris at this word. They believed they were finally being listened to and that the Government would finally provide the resources needed to end their children's suffering and to give them the chance at life to which they were entitled.

Sadly, over the past eight years that promise has been broken over and over again. Children have been left to wait in agony, their conditions deteriorating by the day as they are denied the operations that could change their lives and, indeed, might save their lives.

Year by year, Teachta Harris's promise came to be seen for what it was: something that sounded good on radio, good for the moment. The anger surrounding the Tánaiste's broken promise has only been aggravated by his attempt to pass the buck to HSE officials. For his words, for his empty promise and for giving these children and their families false hope, the Tánaiste is the only person responsible. He was not a commentator and not even a backbench TD; he was the Minister for Health making a serious commitment. Therefore, the buck stops with him, and with him only.

Harvey Morrison Sherratt was born the year Simon Harris was appointed Minister for Health. In 2017, when Harvey was just one year old, his parents were told his ribs were crushing his lungs. That was the same year the Tánaiste made his infamous promise. While waiting years for the operation he desperately needed, Harvey's spinal curve deteriorated from 75 degrees to 130 degrees. His dad, Stephen, said, "We watched him deteriorate, cry in pain, struggle to breathe and lose the sparkle in his eye." Speaking on "The Late Late Show" last month, his mum, Gillian, said:

Knowing ... that he was only going to live to nine [years], knowing that he spent the ... [guts of] three years in pain on a wait list, feels incredibly unjust.

If Harvey had had the timely access to healthcare, I feel like he wouldn't have missed so much of his childhood.

We would have more memories as a family, more happy memories as a family, and not so many negative memories.

[I]t robbed him of a large portion of his childhood, and ... that's incredibly unfair.

These are the words of parents who have lost about as much as you can lose in life.

In September of last year in the Dáil, I raised with Simon Harris Harvey's worsening condition, the need for urgent surgery and the fact that he had been silently removed from the waiting list without his parents' knowledge. Simon Harris promised to meet the parents urgently, yet it took more than a year to fulfil that promise. By that time, sadly, Harvey had passed away. Harvey's parents would be the first to tell you he is not the only child who has suffered as a result of the Government's failure children.

Over recent years, I have had the privilege of getting to know quite well a lad from Tullamore by the name of T.J. Coughlan. Some Members might know T.J. He is an amazing young man, he is smart, positive and full of optimism, and he is great craic. He is just a real lover of life. Having been born with spina bifida, T.J. was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of nine. He was told he needed an operation to correct the curve in his spine. He was left to wait years without surgery and waited so long that he became inoperable at the age of 13. He is now confined to a wheelchair. The curve in his back remains, causing him pain and difficulty breathing. This courageous young man has been robbed of the life he deserved. His big appeal is that this should never happen to another child.

Yesterday, as has been noted, the Oireachtas audiovisual room was packed to capacity with TDs, Seanadóirí and the Minister for Health herself. We all heard parents speak of the pain, trauma and suffering of their children with scoliosis and spina bifida, children who have been waiting in agony for their operations and children who waited for so long that they became inoperable. We heard from parents racked with worry that their child might die waiting for the care and surgery they need. It is a case of stolen childhood, broken lives, damaged futures – a catalogue of human hurt and anger that stems from a most profound betrayal, a promise broken, by the Tánaiste.

Today, 225 children are waiting for their operations. The promise is being broken in real time again today. The lifeline of access to surgery abroad has proven to be a dead end for most children. The promise of a public inquiry into the care of spina bifida and scoliosis patients by Children's Health Ireland must be fulfilled. It is essential now that the Government move heaven and earth to get every child the surgery they need, because Simon Harris's broken promise must not steal from those children what it has already stolen from so many others.

Of course, the backdrop to this catastrophic failure of children is the ongoing fiasco surrounding the national children's hospital. When he was Minister for Health, Simon Harris signed the contract for this project, something he very bizarrely denied during general election campaign debates last year, which was a brazen attempt to distance himself from responsibility. The opening of the hospital has been delayed time and again and billions of euro in public money have been spent, yet not one child has been treated to this day.

Broken promises cut more deeply when broken by somebody with the power to make a difference. If the Tánaiste can break such a profound promise to children in such desperate need of surgery, it should come as no surprise that he can so readily break his promises on issues like the cost of living, giving ordinary workers a break in their income tax, abolishing student fees and delivering affordable childcare. Those big election promises were all broken in last week's budget, a budget in which the Government bragged, as it has done again today, about its billions of euro but still managed to leave working people worse off.

Arrogance and a sense of entitlement are the bedrock upon which the Government was formed – the foundation stone of a grubby deal struck by Deputies Simon Harris, Micheál Martin and Michael Lowry, a deal all about holding on to power at all costs, protecting the positions of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael and feathering the nests of those at the top. Delivering for children with scoliosis and spina bifida was not even on the radar when they were brokering that deal. They tabled this motion today simply because they did not want a vote of no confidence in the Fine Gael leader landing in the same week as the presidential election. That is actually their priority, and we all know it.

Let it be said that in that election people will have the opportunity to vote for values that stand in marked contrast to broken promises and grubby deals, the proven currency of Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil in government. It is a currency, of course, with which Fine Gael's presidential candidate, former Deputy, Heather Humphreys, is fully comfortable. She was fully aware of the promise Simon Harris made to children with scoliosis and spina bifida and of the devastation caused to families when that promise was repeatedly broken, yet she backed him to the hilt.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Wow. You want to accuse us of politicising this issue.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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I have no doubt that if she were in the Chamber today, she would back him again.

Deputies:

Hear, hear.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Wow. You have the neck to accuse us of politicising this issue. Wow. Incredible. Shame on you.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Nominating him for Taoiseach, she had this to say:

It is that sense of simply wanting to help, of breaking down barriers, and making life better for people that drives Simon Harris. I know, under his leadership, we will see a major focus on improving supports for people with disabilities.

So she said. I would imagine that at that time, the parents of children waiting in agony for spinal surgery listened in disbelief to that. I imagine that the parents of children left waiting and waiting for an assessment of need were also left shaking their heads in disbelief. Let us remember that it has taken 15-year-old Cara Darmody to force any movement from the Government on this issue. I remind the House, as she consistently does, that the Government is still breaking the law by leaving children on waiting lists and not abiding by the six-month statutory timeframe, as is its duty.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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Hear, hear.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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The vast majority of people are decent and trusting and they believe that if you say something, you will follow it through and if you promise something, you will keep your word and come through for them, especially on an issue profoundly affecting their lives. Making promises is easy. Doing the work to keep those promises is hard, and Simon Harris does not want to do the hard work.

The shattering of public trust in Simon Harris, which has mounted in recent months, is a result of the Tánaiste revealing himself to be a man who will say what needs to be said to get a positive reaction in any particular moment but does not follow through on commitments made. The collapse in trust has been fostered by the Tánaiste's own actions, his own words and a litany of broken promises. That is the record he is confronted with today.

Níl muinín ar bith agam as Simon Harris. Bhain sé a bheatha as gealltanais mhóra a thabhairt agus iad a bhriseadh. Tá dochar ollmhór déanta de bharr na gealltanais bhriste seo agus tá daoine cráite. Ní féidir leis freagracht a sheachaint a thuilleadh. People are not fools and they have long memories. They are good at remembering when those in power walk away from their promises. Away from the cameras and the mics and from the din and cut-and-thrust of this House, I wonder whether there is regret at breaking so many commitments. I remember the Tánaiste once said that he remembered the names and faces of the children with scoliosis and spina bifida that he had met. They are looking on today, and they feel so badly let down and so badly failed.

I have no confidence in the Tánaiste. The families he has let down have no confidence in him. Increasingly, the wider public, seeing more and more, have no confidence in him either. God, hurry the day when they get to remove him from power.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)
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Hear, hear.

John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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For the information of Members, the Deputy should not make reference to the President or draw that office into any controversy in this House. That is a ruling. The Deputy also cannot and should not make reference to people outside the House. They are not here to defend themselves or to support what the Deputy might be claiming. The Deputy did mention that the Minister had lied, and that too is something that should not be said. I need to say that as the Leas-Cheann Comhairle to remind all Deputies of the rules and that we want to conduct this debate properly, giving everybody the opportunity to speak but while observing the rules of the House.

I call Deputy Ivana Bacik.

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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On behalf of the Labour Party, I begin by offering our deepest condolences again to Gillian Sherratt and Stephen Morrison, the parents of young Harvey Morrison Sherratt. I have spoken, as have my colleagues, with Gillian previously and we are thinking of them today, as indeed we are thinking of all the parents of children with scoliosis and spina bifida who have faced unconscionable delays and obstacles in accessing necessary treatments and necessary surgeries for their children. All of us are thinking of the experiences we have heard about from those parents.

One story that stays with me is told by parents who described lying awake at night listening to their children crying in pain while awaiting surgery. Those are appalling experiences for any parents or children to have to endure. It is in this context that this House is being asked to vote confidence in the Government and the Tánaiste today and we patently cannot do so. For us in the Labour Party, this motion is not one we can support and, of course, we must oppose it. Indeed, it derives from a broken promise. To reiterate again, it was a promise made by the Minister, Deputy Harris, in 2017 that no child should wait longer than four months for spinal surgery. It is a broken promise when we still see children waiting but this is just one in a litany of broken promises. We could put it another way. We could say that never before have the actions of a Government been so divorced from the manifestos on which the governing parties ran. To put it bluntly, these are broken promises. Just today, we are seeing a sixteenth deadline passed and more delays in the opening of the new national children’s hospital. We have seen enormous issues with the governance of children’s health in Ireland. All these issues are, of course, uppermost in the minds of those parents whose children are awaiting surgery.

It is not just children, however, who had been appallingly treated by the State. It is also people who are awaiting a home of their own and have given up hope that they may ever access a home of their own. Let us not forget that Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael canvassed voters for their support less than a year ago on the basis of a fictional housebuilding projection. The figures for housebuilding last year were grossly overstated.

On childcare, promises were made that childcare fees would be capped at €200 per month within 100 days. That promise has disappeared. Cuts to student fees disappeared and we see instead a €500 increase. Promises were also made around classrooms and the numbers of teachers, but these have simply been done away with. A promise was again made and not fulfilled about the abolition of the means test for the carer's allowance. Nothing has still been done on securing justice for thalidomide survivors, an issue I have been pushing with the Taoiseach for many years now. Many households are still bearing the real burden of the cost-of-living crisis and of soaring energy costs, with 300,000 households in electricity arrears. Indeed, it could be said that the only election promise on which the Government has made good immediately was the wrongheaded VAT cut for hospitality and hairdressing, which is a narrowing of our tax base, with no evidence it will have any positive impact on businesses, workers or consumer prices. Uniquely, we in the Labour Party opposed that cut in last year’s budget in our manifesto last year and in our alternative budget this year.

The Government’s budget last week has offered no respite and no sense that promises will be kept or that it will remedy the defects. Ireland has a wealthy economy for sure but the society feels poor and people feel let down by the Government. Its members are hearing it as we are. Two hours of self-flattery and backslapping, which is what we have been promised with this motion, without having had the actual tabling of any motion of no confidence in the Government, is really not what people are looking for. When I travel the country meeting people, I encounter a sense of insecurity about the future and a sense that children are being most impacted by the failure to act by this Government, including children who have additional needs, children with autism, who are on long waiting lists for services and places. There are 5,000 children without a home and many more children in poverty. There is an uncertain future and an insecure present, with children paying the highest cost of all.

It is at these times that people look to the Government for improved public services, a minimum essential standard of living and supports and security. Before the election and since, we in Labour have been articulating a vision for an active State that will take responsibility for ensuring the welfare of children and of people for providing supports and the security that people need. This is our vision and we continue to offer this alternative vision for Ireland’s future. Without a commitment to that vision and a commitment to delivering on the promises the Government parties made in their manifestos last year, children will continue to bear the brunt.

Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)
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I express my concern about and thoughts for the individuals and staff in the care home in Donaghmede where a very serious incident happened earlier this afternoon.

It is a dangerous business in politics when you get people’s hopes up and overpromise and underdeliver. The reason we are here today is because of those commitments that the Tánaiste made when he was the Minister for Health back in 2017. I do not doubt the sincerity of his intentions then, but the clear reason for the failure with regard to that commitment is Fine Gael in government supported by Fianna Fáil, failing to ensure a functioning Children’s Health Ireland and a functioning series of paediatric hospitals that then went on to become CHI such that we have an inappropriate system of care for the most vulnerable children in our State. This arises because of a failure of corporate governance, a failure of clinical governance and a failure of management. The buck stops with the previous Government and this one in terms of how children have been repeatedly failed. This has been a failure by the Government to grasp the issues within the hospital to ensure that the board of CHI, as it then was, and the boards of the individual hospitals actually lived up to their responsibilities and ensured proper care for those children.

I want to look forward and ensure that the legacy of Harvey Morrison Sherratt and all the other children who have been failed is that those children currently waiting for care get the service and therapy they so badly deserve and need.

Harvey is only one of a large number of children. I think of Dollceana Carter and all the other children whose names we do not want to bring into the Chamber because those families have suffered in silence and want to retain the privacy of their grief and suffering. Those children are being failed because they are being left in operable. Those families have been put through agony for far longer than they ever should have. They have been failed in terms of the anxiety that has been imposed upon them because of the promise after promise that has not been lived up to. Those failures continue in terms of the 129 children that are waiting for surgery and have yet to get their scheduled operations and the children who were told there would be treatment abroad in New York or London. We see so few, if any, being offered that. There are very serious questions for this Government in terms of the initiatives that we have been told are being taken to try to reduce the waiting lists and the failure to take them up, particularly with regard to treatment abroad.

Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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It is amazing what the Government can find time for when it wants to. The Government could not set aside time for the Tánaiste to take questions on children on waiting lists for spina bifida, yet it can find time for this motion. It is a complete waste of time designed to shield a clapped out Government from political accountability in the lead-up to a presidential election. I spoke to Gillian Sherratt-----

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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You are the ones not in the election.

Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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----- in August of this year. I was struck by her strength and her determination to get the answers she needs in order for her and her poor husband to have closure. We need accountability. The public inquiry into this must be wide enough. It must be statutory. It must get the parents the answers and the children the treatment they need. Accountability starts with political accountability and it starts here. I have no confidence in this Government. It is a hollow husk of a Government that offers the people of Ireland little hope.

I got to know Orlaith Maher-Lalor and her daughter Caoimhe, who has spina bifida, in my constituency very well in recent months. I was shocked and horrified by the way Caoimhe was dumped by CHI when she turned 18 in the middle of a healthcare crisis with no proper transition to adult care. CHI waited for her to age out because her case was too complicated. She is a wheelchair user and she has multiple complex health programmes. This Government has little to offer people - nothing, in fact - unless they are a property developer or happen to own a big American fast food chain. Instead, all this Government offers young people, people my age in particular, is a rent hike, a hike in college fees, a chance to emigrate or maybe a tiny, expensive and dark build-to-rent apartment.

Ciarán Ahern (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Hear, hear.

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I offer my sympathies to Gillian and Stephen, parents of the late Harvey, for their inconsolable loss. This debate is brought to us by Aontú, by a party that is absolutely bankrupt of ideas. We heard its leader, Deputy Peadar Tóibín, on "Morning Ireland" this morning bemoaning the fact that he has had only two or three opportunities to table Private Members' business in this House. Yet, at the very first opportunity Aontú has, does it bring forward an alternative plan or alternative ideas? Does it-----

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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Our Private Members' business is next week.

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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-----bring forward a new vision? Absolutely not.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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It is next week, not today. The Government is using today's time for its motion.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy, please do not interrupt. Allow the Minister to speak.

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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The first thing Aontú has done is brought the nuclear option and tried to pull down the Government, with parties that are providing solutions together for these families. When I was appointed Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, the then Taoiseach, Deputy Simon Harris, immediately said we need to reset and focus on family businesses. Since then, in the first eight weeks we delivered an SME package. We brought forward an action plan on market diversification and an action plan on competitiveness and productivity, enhancing the productive capacity of our economy and ensuring our SMEs get the support they need. That is a Government of delivery.

The moment I was most proud of Deputy Simon Harris, was in this Chamber on 23 April 2024, just 14 days after he was elected Taoiseach, when he delivered a State apology to victims of the Stardust fire. At that time, we saw 48 young faces whose lives were taken short. We saw a Taoiseach bring forward an apology full of empathy and compassion that transcended politics. His words were recognised by those who had carried the pain for decades. That is the Simon Harris I know - a man of compassion and a family man. That is the Simon Harris I am proud of and I admire. I am absolutely privileged that he leads our party.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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Ba mhaith liom mo thacaíocht a thabhairt don Tánaiste, don Aire gnóthaí eachtracha agus Aire Cosanta, an Teachta Simon Harris, inniu. Ba mhaith liom vótáil ar son agus tacú le rún an Rialtais.

There is a bit of a misnomer going around that the Government has manufactured this debate today. In fact, this has been standard practice for quite some time that the Government would table motions of confidence in itself. There are at least five examples when Labour was in government when motions such as this were put forward and the Labour Party supported them, including by then Minister, Brendan Howlin and others in the party. This is standard practice when a motion of no confidence is put forward in a Minister or Government. It should be the practice because-----

Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)
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It is not the way-----

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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It is the first time since 1976 that a motion has been brought forward by one week.

A Deputy:

Be quiet.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The Minister to continue. Stop interrupting, Deputy.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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He is not capable of that.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Sit down and listen for once.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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For any Government to continue in office, any motion of confidence must be dealt with very quickly. Ireland and Europe stand at a very critical juncture. War is taking place on our Continent. As Minister of State in the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs and Trade, I am proud to work with the Tánaiste in making Ireland more secure and in securing our European future in delivering record budgets for our defence and security and in preparing for our Presidency of the Council of the European Union. We are working to address really important issues, our capability gaps and to make us more resilient as a country.

I work with the Tánaiste to shape EU policies and ambitions in Ireland's interests. In July next year, Ireland takes the lead as we assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Monumental work is under way to ensure that our EU Council Presidency delivers for the EU and all Irish and EU citizens. We cannot be distracted from that work. Let us not forget that when we talk of the European Union, we are talking about ourselves because we are the European Union, no matter how much some Opposition Members would prefer otherwise. At this critical juncture, let us deal with the issues, including issues in health, and rise above the politics of confidence motions.

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Like others, I want to first acknowledge the parents of Harvey Morrison Sherratt and all of the parents who were in the audiovisual room yesterday. I thank them for working with me and for engaging with me and indeed all of the advocates who are bringing to me the issues of today and yesterday. We will work together to devise the correct structure to enable a proper inquiry into the work that has happened and not happened in the CHI orthopaedic section. One of the most important comments I heard yesterday is that parents are nearly never wrong. I know that experience and that expression to be correct. Parents know what their children need. While I have so much respect for so many different areas of specialisms in CHI, such as oncology and cardiology, there has been, and continues to be, difficulties in the orthopaedic section in CHI, where we have got to change not just the practices and improve the processes, but also implement a real cultural change in listening to, respecting and responding to parents. I assure every Member in this House and anybody watching that I am putting every element of my energy and good faith into trying to improve that.

Deputy Simon Harris, the Tánaiste, is working with me to help to do that. He and I met parents and advocates very recently. We have responded to them by private correspondence. He and I will meet them again at their convenience in the next number of weeks. Like everybody else here, Simon Harris is a committed public representative. He is here to serve his constituents, his community and the Irish State. He entered politics at a young age for good reasons and he has devoted his adult professional life to serving his community. We are all here because we too are committed to the people whom we represent. We all act in good faith. The Government has a substantial body of work to improve spinal services and orthopaedic services more broadly in CHI. While steps have been made that have been noted here, I commit, as everybody else should, to improving the services.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South-Central, Fine Gael)
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Ar an gcéad dul síos, tá gach muinín agam agus ag an Rialtas as an Tánaiste. Is fear uasal, ceannaire láidir agus duine cothrom é. Go mór mór, is fear agus is duine é lán le trua.

In every role that Simon Harris has played, he has demonstrated a number of attributes. He is personal, and he is committed to people and to working with people collectively. Everything he does is about making our society, our world and our communities a better place. Leadership is about responsibility. It is about facing up to mistakes. It is about making those mistakes and making the policy into real-life impacts on people.

Simon Harris does that in his job every single day. He has demonstrated responsibility. We saw it during the Covid-19 pandemic. In each of his portfolios, we have seen what he has done and what he does. He is a man of fairness, huge compassion and empathy. He stands up for people every single day. I challenge Members across the Chamber. Simon Harris stands up and represents people. He is not hollow or empty. He is a man of empathy and action. He is a man I am proud to support today. I am confident in this man. Deputy O'Flynn may smirk at me, but when you come into government it is about taking responsibility and making decisions that require leadership and in Simon Harris, we have that leader.

John Cummins (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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I have known Simon Harris since we were both approximately 19 years of age. Even then, before he entered politics, you could tell he was someone different, someone with a genuine desire to make a difference. It has always been obvious that Simon got involved in public life because he cared and was committed to helping others.

As Minister for Health, Simon Harris took on one of the toughest jobs in politics, progressing the likes of free GP care, expanding the HPV vaccination programme and securing access to life-changing cystic fibrosis drugs. His decision to approve a second cardiac cath laboratory at University Hospital Waterford, UHW, will have a profound and lasting impact on patients across the south east of this country. When the system said "No", Simon Harris said "Yes" because he knew it was the right thing to do and had the courage to do it. This has enabled cardiac services to expand at UHW with the final steps to 24-7 cardiac care under way.

As Minister for further and higher education, Simon again brought that same determination and focus to inclusion. He prioritised advancing opportunities for people with additional needs, ensuring they could continue their educational development in the same way as their peers. He also placed relentless focus on apprenticeships, ensuring students who wished to pursue that pathway were not made to feel inferior to those who wished to pursue a third level education. Simon was also the Minister who delivered a university to Waterford in the south east after many years of campaigning. The follow-on awarding of veterinary, medicine and pharmacy degree programmes show his commitment to the development of education across our regions.

As Taoiseach, Simon continued to show empathy, sensitivity and humanity. The Minister, Deputy Burke, referenced his decision to issue a formal State apology to the victims of the Stardust tragedy on behalf of the Irish people.

As Tánaiste, he has acted with distinction on the world stage at some of the most critical times for Europe and the world. Simon Harris has shown time and time again that his leadership is about service to the people of Ireland and I have full confidence in his ability as Tánaiste.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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The people I give credit to for delivering enhanced cardiac services for Waterford are the people of Waterford, who several times took to the streets in their thousands and had to force this Government, kicking and screaming, to deliver those services.

Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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Hear, hear.

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal West, Sinn Fein)
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Hear, hear.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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Simon Harris's record as a Minister and a leader is not one of competence, vision or progress. When I think of Simon Harris, I think of broken promises to children with scoliosis and spina bifida, compounded by false hope and children left in pain. Under Simon Harris's watch, children with chronic conditions and disabilities have been failed and let down time and again. Under Simon Harris' leadership, in place of a solution for these children was a long road of delayed care and poor health outcomes.

In 2017, when he was the Minister for Health, Simon Harris made that infamous, solemn promise that no child would be left waiting longer than four months for scoliosis surgery by the end of that year. It was a clear commitment that offered hope to worried families. Eight years later, however, that promise is a bitter memory. Today, 41 children have been waiting for longer than six months, never mind four months, for their life-changing surgery. Countless more children have been entirely removed from waiting lists because they have been left for so long that their condition has become inoperable. Precious children have lost not only their mobility but, tragically, their lives. Of course, my heart and thoughts are today with Harvey Morrison Sherratt and his parents, Gillian and Stephen.

In 2018, the Tánaiste established Children's Health Ireland, CHI, in law. That body is now set to be wound down. It is in crisis because of devastating failures under his watch and that of the Government. CHI has been the subject of several reviews and scandals, much of which it tried to hide from families and the Oireachtas. Families came to the Tánaiste. They came to us. We raised the issues in the Dáil time and again. Over six or seven years, we raised all of those scandals, the failures and lack of governance in Children's Health Ireland. We raised those issues with the Tánaiste time and again, as did those families. They were stonewalled and ignored. That is why they are now calling for a full, public, statutory and independent inquiry.

Despite the fact that he refuses to accept it, the Tánaiste did sign off on the contract for the children's hospital. We learned today that the 16th completion date will come and go. Construction started on the hospital the Tánaiste signed off on ten years ago and yet not one single child has been treated. How could anybody come into this House with a straight face and say they have confidence in someone who was the Minister for Health and gave a solemn commitment to children with scoliosis and spina bifida that was broken, who set up Children's Health Ireland only for that same entity to now be wound down in disgrace in the context of many of those failures and who signed the contract for a hospital that is in controversy and still not built?

Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
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We got word last night that the Dáil schedule was being ripped up, not to address any of the crises gripping the country or to enact some critical legislation, but to spare the Government's blushes and to try to prevent a spotlight being placed on the Government's shameful treatment of people with disabilities. Aontú signalled yesterday that it was going to put down a motion of no confidence in the Tánaiste next week and within hours, the wagons circled. The Government did not even wait for the text of Aontú's motion to be published because it was so terrified at the prospect of that debate. Instead, it cobbled together this motion and ripped up the Dáil schedule so it could tell the rest of us how well it is doing and how good the Government's record is when it comes to the treatment of children, the provision of disability services and, indeed, other issues, such as foreign affairs. It really is incredibly cynical. It is a political stroke to avoid legitimate criticism of its failure of children with disabilities and their families for years. This exercise in sheer cynicism will go on for two and a half hours. Is the Government so afraid of debate and scrutiny of its own record that it has to sink to the level of pre-empting a confidence motion that has not even been written yet?

At a time when this country has such major issues in disability services, housing, the cost of living, healthcare and climate action, it is incredible that the Government is choosing to spend its time this way. It speaks to a complete lack of confidence on the Government benches. It is an acknowledgement that the Government's record is simply not defensible. It also goes to show where the Government's priority lies, that is, with itself. It will drop everything and go to war, not to improve services for children with disabilities but to defend and shield itself from criticism.

The Irish Times was clear about the reason we are enduring this farce today. Its news pages, not opinion pages, stated today, "The Government is [expected] to force through a vote of confidence ... to defuse the risk of a debate on disabilities during [these weeks] ... of presidential campaigning." The Government parties are clearly horrified at the thought of a brake being applied to their negative campaigning and a focus being placed on the manner in which it is running the country and its appalling treatment of some of our most vulnerable citizens. It is no wonder if you look at the Government's record on disability, its failure to even acknowledge the cost of disability in the budget, the highest unemployment rate for disabled people in the EU and the failure to provide long-awaited justice to thalidomide survivors, who were promised a State apology and access to medical cards. That is not to mention children's disability network teams and personal assistance hours. I could go on and on.

The current Minister for Health was recently asked in this Chamber about the treatment of children waiting for spinal surgery. She said, "We are making some progress, but I acknowledge that it is too slow, and too many children are still waiting." That sounds benign and reasonable at first, until important context is provided. For that context, we can start in 2013, when Fine Gael had been in office for two years. Back then, 12 years ago, a report into services for children with spina bifida found major defects and a lack of co-ordination at a national and local level.

That report made recommendations for how services could be improved. Those recommendations were not implemented.

In 2017, a damning report from the Ombudsman for Children, Waiting for Scoliosis Treatment: A Children’s Rights Issue, was published. It raised "huge concerns about the serious and ongoing violations of the rights of children waiting for scoliosis treatment". It concluded that there was "an onus on us all to act and for the Government to fully and meaningfully address all of the issues raised." In response, the then Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, promised no child with scoliosis would wait for longer than four months for surgery. That promise was never kept.

In 2023, the Ombudsman for Children published the Ivy report into the care of a child with scoliosis by CHI. Ivy had been waiting for spinal surgery for scoliosis for five years, during which time the curve in her spine went from 30 degrees to over 135 degrees. The report detailed how the uncertainty surrounding Ivy's surgery impacted every aspect of her life, physically and mentally, and caused huge distress for her and her family. That report found numerous failures of governance and communications within CHI. In 2024, a follow-up to the Ivy report revealed that Ivy's surgery was delayed for so long that she was no longer operable. That report also noted that grave concerns have emerged around the safety of some children with scoliosis being treated within CHI.

This year alone, there have been three further damning reports into CHI. We have learned that non-medical grade springs were inserted into children without their parents' consent or knowledge. An independent audit revealed that nearly 80% of hip surgeries on children at Cappagh, and nearly 60% at Temple Street, were not clinically indicated. This means that potentially hundreds of children have undergone invasive and traumatic surgeries they may not have needed. A separate report into CHI raised huge concerns about a negative and toxic culture which impacted service delivery and staff experience and had the potential to put patients at risk.

It does not end there. We are currently waiting for the publication of further reports into CHI, including one on paediatric orthopaedic surgery. Can those on the Government benches now understand why families of children who rely on CHI for critical treatment have lost all trust in it, and in this Government, to address the dangerously threadbare disability services that it has responsibility for delivering?

We have a mountain of reports gathering dust on Government shelves, none of which have been acted on in any meaningful way with the result that generations of children are being failed. There have been repeated promises that waiting lists would be addressed and services would be improved. Those promises have been made for at least 12 years; it has never happened. Fine Gael has been in office throughout all of this, with Fianna Fáil propping them up since 2016 before entering coalition in 2020, yet neither party will take responsibility and are instead spending the whole afternoon in the Chamber praising themselves on the things they are doing.

Harvey Morrison Sherratt was just one year old when the Tánaiste made the promise that no child would wait for longer than four months for surgery. Instead of being cared for and treated quickly, his father Stephen said Harvey was "abandoned". He waited for years for surgery before finally getting it last November. By then, the curve on his spine had reached 130 degrees, crushing his rib cage and putting pressure on his lungs and heart. Harvey tragically died on 29 July. We do not know Harvey's cause of death but we know that he needlessly suffered. He endured years of pain and trauma that could have been avoided if he had just been given the healthcare he needed. What Harvey endured is not an aberration; it is the norm.

Today, as we speak, there are 226 children on the CHI's spinal surgery list; 135 of these children are actively waiting for surgeries but do not have a date. This is up from 108 since the start of the year. Of these, some 40 children have been waiting for six months or more.

The Minister, Deputy Harris, should never have made that promise back in 2017. I think he accepts that. There have been other health Ministers since Simon Harris who have also failed to keep promises on this issue. Last October, just before the election, the then Minister, Stephen Donnelly, vowed that the number of children waiting more than four months would fall to 20, in part he said because every child waiting for longer than four months for treatment would be offered treatment abroad. Twelve months on from this commitment, what has happened? Just eight children have been approved to travel.

We now have yet another Minister, Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who has vowed to get to grips with this crisis. I welcome her announcement that CHI will be folded back into the HSE by 2027 and that the Government will set up an inquiry into the care of children with spina bifida and scoliosis. That inquiry must be public and parents and advocacy groups must be centrally involved in setting the terms of reference.

While I welcome that, we have had report after report that have highlighted failings and issued recommendations but they have either been ignored or implementation has failed. The question must be asked: what is the Government doing today to ensure children with spina bifida and scoliosis are treated swiftly and appropriately? Given its abject record of failure, can we really rely on the Government to deliver the reform and change that is needed?

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Thank you, Deputy.

Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
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The answer to that, quite clearly, is "No".

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I thank the Deputy. The Minister, Deputy Martin Heydon, is next.

Holly Cairns (Cork South-West, Social Democrats)
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For that reason, I and the Social Democrats do not have confidence in this Government.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I rise today to make three quick points in the short time I have available. First, it is the Government's commitment and determination to make progress in spinal services for children. The focus of our current and previous Ministers for Health has been on delivering considerable resources and addressing structural impediments to the delivery of improved spinal services. I want to say to Stephen and Gillian Morrison Sherratt that young Harvey's memory - I say this as a father of young children - stays with us all of the time as we try to address this issue. There is no shortage of compassion or empathy. There is no monopoly on compassion or empathy in trying to address what is such a challenging issue for the families who are deeply affected.

My second point is to question the timing of the proposed motion that Deputy Tóibín flagged he would bring before the House next week. The Dáil resumed after the summer break in mid-September, four weeks ago today. Five weeks would have passed by the time Deputy Tóibín presented the motion that he said he would lay before the House next week.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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We have had no time.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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No, Deputy, no.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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The Opposition tries to suggest there is no alternative-----

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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This is the first time I have been able to do so.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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-----motivation behind that. I was not going to make that point today because I thought the public could come to that conclusion itself.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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I could not have brought it in earlier.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy, it is not a question to be answered.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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I listened to one of the worst speeches I have heard in this Dáil during my 14 years as a Member of this House from Deputy Mary Lou McDonald.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Aww.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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She framed her address in the grief, distress and pain of families of young children. She made a statement that the Tánaiste was "the only person responsible". I think she said it twice, actually. It was an incredibly personalised direct attack. We have become used to this from the Opposition but it will never be acceptable in discourse. Deputy McDonald proceeded to blatantly make references to the election that will happen in this country at the end of next week. The mask slipped from the Deputy. She showed her true colours. She showed her true motivation, which was the political point-scoring she wanted to deliver here today.

My third point is that-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The Minister is out of time.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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-----I stand here to affirm my confidence in the Tánaiste, Simon Harris, for all he has achieved for this country.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I call the Minister of State, Deputy Naughton.

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I rise today to express my full confidence in the Fine Gael leader, the Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Harris, and in his work as a Minister in this Government. At the outset, I pass on my sincere condolences to the family of Harvey Morrison Sherratt and especially to his mum and dad, Gillian and Stephen.

We as a Government need to do better for vulnerable children, whether they have a disability or they are waiting for vital medical treatment. That includes investing in services and, especially, early intervention and ensuring that our health services provide health and disability services to those who need them most.

As Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister across a number of Government Departments, Simon Harris has helped to build the Ireland of today, which enjoys record levels of employment, a robust and resilient economy and a commitment to making social progress and delivering supports for people who need them most. There is no doubt that without Simon Harris's influence and support, we would not have secured record investment in disability in this budget. Simon's record and dedication to public service is clear for everyone to see. I am confident the result of this vote this evening will reflect the esteem with which he is held across this House.

Aontú's attempt to damage the Tánaiste is nothing but a waste of precious Dáil time.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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This is your motion. Ours is next week.

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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We should be progressing-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy Tóibín, stop interrupting.

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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-----important legislation and improvements in the areas that matter most to individuals and families. A confidence motion does not achieve any of that. I am not sure the public sees Aontú as a serious political party. We hear a lot of discourse about people participating in democratic processes but yesterday outside this House, Deputy Tóibín said he was considering spoiling his vote on Friday week.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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No, I did not.

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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A serious political leader-----

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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Fact-free sentence.

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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-----would never make that statement.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Your time is up, Deputy.

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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A serious leader would encourage voters to exercise their hard-fought democratic right.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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Immune from facts.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy, your time is up.

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I have confidence that colleagues cross the House will support this motion.

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I express my full support for the Tánaiste, who is the leader of my party, Fine Gael. He entered politics to do nothing but good, to deliver and to help those he sees around him. He is motivated for all the right reasons to be involved in politics. Unfortunately, far too many politicians on the Opposition benches today entered politics to posture, shout out and exploit situations. They have been exposed completely for what they really are: a group of people who will profess great care for and understanding of an issue, and claim to want to represent the people it affects, but at the drop of a hat use it for their own selfish political interests, as Mary Lou McDonald showed. The leader of Aontú, who is going to shout everybody down, as always, is also doing this for his own selfish political interests. The leader of the Social Democrats rewrote the facts when she made a long speech about why there is a motion of confidence today. She failed to acknowledge that a motion of no confidence could have been tabled at any time. The Opposition did not do so; instead, for its own political ends it cynically chose to exploit people who have a genuine issue which this House cares about and people on all sides care about. That needs to be called out. It contrasts with the daily work of the Tánaiste, who-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Thank you, Deputy.

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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-----is putting our country first, representing us proudly and delivering for the people of this country.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I acknowledge and pay tribute to Harvey Morrison Sherratt. I know my words today will mean little to his parents, Stephen and Gillian, who have been tireless advocates and campaigners in recent years for a serious and unacceptable issue. As a parent, I cannot comprehend what they have been through and what they continue to go through. Too often in this Chamber, we are consumed by the personalities of Members of this House and by political point-scoring when our focus should be on outputs for our citizens. We must never lose sight of what we are trying to achieve as parliamentarians: a better and more equal society not just for today but for the generations ahead. No motion of no confidence or countermotion of confidence will help us to achieve this. While Aontú will talk about accountability whenever it gets the opportunity - I share the sentiment and want to ensure there is accountability - proposing a motion of no confidence in the full knowledge that it will not succeed is not about true accountability. It is about garnering headlines. Last week, we saw an increase of €1.6 billion in health and a 20% in the disability budget. This significant expenditure increase is designed to address the challenges we have. We are in a position to allocate this level of funding thanks to a strong economy and a prudent fiscal approach. That work is at risk of being undone if we do not see a level of output and progress across our Departments and agencies. Responsibility ultimately lies with us, as members of the coalition, to deliver the programme for Government. Accountability is not reserved for these benches alone. It should be across our public service and Civil Service. The Tánaiste does not need me to defend him. His electorate has put faith in him time and again. We know this Dáil will vote confidence in him later today.

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the announcement by the Minister for Health that there will be an inquiry into the spina bifida and complex scoliosis service at Children's Health Ireland and that it will form part of a wider reflection on paediatric services. The Government must confront these failures openly and honestly, and is doing so. Peadar Tóibín said he would use the presidential election as a referendum on Simon Harris. His actions are not about families and children.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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That is rubbish. I never said that.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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You did say it.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Are you saying you did not?

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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No.

Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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It is not even about Simon Harris; it is all about Peadar Tóibín, who demands democratic accountability while trying to convince the country that Ireland's democracy is broken because his preferred candidate for the Presidency could not convince enough Independent Oireachtas Members to help her to secure a nomination. The fact is that Ireland's democracy works because of its citizens. Irish voters make our democracy work.

John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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As a new TD, I am proud to represent the people of Offaly. Little did I think that less than 12 months into this Dáil term, we would be faced with the need for a confidence motion of this nature. It seems that some Opposition Deputies have more of a problem with democracy than with Government policy. What really transforms the lives of people in this country are not Opposition headlines or political stunts on the eve of elections but Government policies and sustained increased investment in housing, healthcare, education and the future of rural communities. I know there is a good chance I would not be in this Chamber today if it was not for the encouragement and commitment to public life that the Tánaiste, Deputy Harris, has shown time and again. He has proven himself with dignity, respect and, above all, hard work. He is dedicated to serving the people of Ireland. I have full confidence in his leadership and ability to continue delivering for our citizens.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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Gillian Sherratt and Stephen Morrison are constituents of mine. They are my neighbours and the parents of Harvey who, as we all know, died tragically earlier this year. I got to know Gillian and Stephen very well over the last while. I am really fond of them. They are just an ordinary family trying to do their best for their children and build a life for themselves. They carried themselves with dignity and humanity when they tried to get treatment for Harvey while he was alive. They have continued to do so in their unselfish pursuit of justice for Harvey since he passed away. This pursuit is unfortunately too late for Harvey but it is not too late for all the other children who have suffered and languished on waiting lists for life-saving surgery. The Tánaiste promised in 2017 that no child would be left waiting for over four months for surgery that would save and improve the lives of children with scoliosis and spina bifida. There is a real human impact of this broken promise. Harvey was left suffering on a waiting list to have an operation for 33 months - not under four months, as the Tánaiste promised. In those 33 months, Harvey was constantly in and out of hospital as the curvature of his spine increased, putting pressure on his rib cage that twisted around his heart and lungs. I would like to take a moment to imagine what it was like for a young boy to have his lungs crushed and his heart pressed in, or to imagine the sense of helplessness that Gillian and Stephen felt as parents as they watched their beautiful boy deteriorate in front of their eyes. While Harvey suffered, CHI for some inexplicable reason removed him from the waiting list with no explanation to his family. They have not received an explanation.

Harvey Sherratt Morrison died on 27 July this year. He was only nine years of age. In his short life, he touched the hearts of a nation. He certainly touched mine. His parents have continued to campaign to get justice for Harvey in order that no other child will suffer. Yesterday I attended a very emotional presentation in Leinster House - I was not on my own - at which I heard the term "medical orphan" used to describe children waiting for treatment for scoliosis. I do not know how we have allowed this to happen in a modern society. Government backbenchers who spoke yesterday at the presentation said it is unacceptable that children are suffering. I agree with them. Those backbenchers and Independent TDs have the chance to do the right thing today. Like me, they heard the heartbreaking stories from other parents whose children, as we speak, are suffering in exactly the same way that Harvey did because of a broken promise by Simon Harris. I have no confidence in CHI and neither does the Minister if she is disbanding it. The buck stops with the Tánaiste. He needs to be held accountable for the broken promise he made to Harvey Sherratt Morrison. I have no confidence in Simon Harris.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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We should be clear on why we are having this debate now because I think some Deputies on the Government benches are confused about it. We are having it now because the Government tabled this motion.

The Government chose to put down the motion of confidence this week in what is clearly, blatantly and openly an attempt to avoid scrutiny of its appalling record, especially on children's health, right before the presidential election next week. That is what is in the papers and that is what we can read. That is why we are here in this fashion today. It is a political stroke that is typical of this Government. The same sort of short-sighted, politically motivated logic is what I assume prompted the Tánaiste to give the solemn promise he gave when he was Minister for Health that no child would wait longer than four months for a scoliosis operation. It is what should be the case, obviously. I am sure it seemed like a convenient thing to say at the time to get the heat off him as Minister for Health, but it was not true. What happened in reality was Harvey Morrison Sherratt was forced to wait 33 months for scoliosis surgery while the curve of his spine went from 75 degrees to 130 degrees. Many more children are still waiting as we speak. The latest figures show that 40 children have been waiting for more than six months for spinal surgery while their parents listen, appalled, to the never-ending stream of scandals emergency from CHI. Would they have had to wait so long if the consultants were not off performing unnecessary surgeries on profit? Will we ever know the truth? The other reason we are here discussing this issue is Harvey’s courageous parents Gillian and Stephen, who have never given up, never stopped speaking out and forced an uncaring Government to listen. If they had not spoken out and if thousands of people had not supported them and come onto the streets in August, we would not be here. At that protest, Harvey’s mother Gillian told the crowd:

He had to have his whole life put on hold while he waited. We cancelled family holidays, cancelled our wedding, postponed his sister’s heart surgery as he sat and waited for a date for surgery. We had to watch him deteriorate, cry in pain, struggle to breathe and lose the sparkle in his eye over those 33 months. Most importantly though, it robbed him of his childhood, it robbed him of his comfort, it robbed him of quality of life and it robbed us of the opportunity to make precious family memories with him. That, to us, is something we will never get over.

People came out to fight for justice for Harvey, to fight against the wait he had to endure, but also because he symbolises all the children who have to wait. I mean the children who have to wait for scoliosis surgery, the ones who have to wait for appropriate school places, the ones who have to wait for assessments of need and the ones who have to wait for therapies.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Thank you, Deputy. Deputy Healy.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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The Government may win this vote; that is likely-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy Healy.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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-----but the people will have a chance to pass their verdict in nine days' time-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy Healy.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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-----and I am not sure they will have confidence.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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There you are again.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Please.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Who is mentioning the election?

Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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A Cheann Comhairle, this motion of confidence-----

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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So did your colleague.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Yes, in response. Blatant.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I am sorry, Deputy Healy.

Conor Sheehan (Limerick City, Labour)
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The Government must be worried.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Excuse me. On both sides of the House there will be no mention.

Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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A Cheann Comhairle, this motion of confidence is a cynical political manoeuvre. A motion of no confidence has not been lodged and we have seen no details of such a motion. This procedure is unprecedented in this House and has more to do with the presidential election on Friday week. The culture of broken promises - making promises and commitments in the full knowledge they will not be kept - is undermining trust and confidence in politics and politicians. This will have to stop or it will undermine the very fabric of society. Politicians will have to be accountable not just for their actions but for their promises as well. In the 2024 general election campaign, promises and commitments were made-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Sorry, Deputy. Oh, excuse me, I am confused now. Go ahead.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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A different campaign.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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It was the mention of an election at all.

Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I get an extra minute, a Cheann Comhairle, thank you. In the 2024 general election campaign, promises and commitments were made and have been reneged on. The Tánaiste promised that a maximum childcare payment of €200 per month would come into force within 100 days of the new Government. That has not been done, it is not in the budget and there has been no mention of it or of a public childcare service. The carer's means test was to be abolished and that too has been reneged on. A commitment to introduce a weekly cost-of-disability payment was also reneged on. The promise no child would wait more than four months for scoliosis surgery was also reneged on over and over again and is being reneged on as we speak. That broken promise was a profound failure of children with scoliosis that led to pain, suffering and devastation for individuals and families.

The culture of broken promises by the Government and politicians has expanded into breaking the law. Over 16,000 children with additional needs are on waiting lists for assessments of need. They wait years for assessment despite a legal entitlement to have one within six months of referral. Fine Gael has been in government since 2011 and knows this very well. Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Independents are now knowingly breaking the law and that needs to stop urgently. I have no confidence in the Fine Gael Party. Its record in south Tipperary is atrocious. In government it has abolished South Tipperary County Council, Clonmel Corporation and Carrick-on-Suir, Cashel and Tipperary town councils and closed Kickham Barracks in Clonmel and St. Michael's acute psychiatric unit.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Thank you, Deputy. You are in Deputy Coppinger's time.

Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I will be opposing this motion.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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Let us be clear why we are here listening to these North Korean-style eulogies for Simon Harris. We are here because-----

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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You are the closest thing to North Korea here.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputies, please.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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-----the Government made a decision-----

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Or maybe Cuba.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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We will have no interruptions.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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The Government made a decision to table a confidence motion in the Tánaiste when there was a rumour of a no-confidence motion that has not been seen-----

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There was a press conference.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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-----and has not been tabled.

Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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Deputy Tóibín gave a press conference.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputies, no interruptions.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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It is very important that since we have the issue of broken promises and confidence on the table, we deal with all the Tánaiste's infamous promises. The first one, of course, relates to 2017 and the promise no child would wait more than four months for scoliosis surgery. The Tánaiste has a habit of making grandiose promises he cannot fulfil and we are now in a situation where Gillian and Stephen in particular, and the other parents, have had to campaign long and hard. Government TDs left the briefing yesterday, which has been referred to many times, giving a commitment they would call for a public statutory inquiry. I want to find out whether we are getting this public statutory inquiry. I have heard about an inquiry, but I have not heard about the nature of it.

I will also mention very briefly the spinal surgery waiting list. A key item to come out of yesterday's briefing was that the waiting list is completely static. Travel abroad has not happened. CHI promises, but it delivers a little bit like the Tánaiste. We need a commitment to a public statutory inquiry - that is what parents are asking for - before we decide how we vote on this motion.

I also want to ask about Palestine. It is another area the Tánaiste is responsible for and has made promises about. There has been a horrific genocide for two years, as we know. He has talked the talk but he has not walked the walk.

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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That is not true.

Paul McAuliffe (Dublin North-West, Fianna Fail)
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We have done more than you.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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€100 million in aid.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputies.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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Is the Government going to pass the occupied territories Bill in full? The Taoiseach indicated yesterday that it will deal with just one aspect and not with services. We need to know this before the presidential election next week-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Sorry, Deputy. You are aware of the salient ruling. Do not mention the election.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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I am allowed to mention that there is an election coming.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Not in that regard. It is part of the ruling.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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I would like to ask the Tánaiste why he gave authorisation for a US military plane to land on Sunday, reportedly, that was en route with either troops or armaments to the Nevatim Israeli military base? He has committed to supporting the Palestinian people and supporting the Palestinian state.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I support them every day.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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He was asked to give authorisation and I would like to know why he gave that because he has made promises to stand for Palestine and he has not delivered on that either.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Thank you, Deputy. Before I move to the next speaker, I am going to repeat-----

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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We are allowed to mention that there is an election.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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-----that I have asked Deputies to have respect for the salient ruling. You are not doing either candidate any favours. Let us abide by the ruling. Thank you. I move now to the Minister, Deputy Browne.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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A Cheann Comhairle, could you assist by telling us what the salient ruling is?

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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A Cheann Comhairle, are we not mentioning that there is an election next week? Is that barred?

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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You have all made it pretty clear, Deputy. Let us be honest.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The office of President, as you are aware, is above-----

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Solidarity)
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But that is why we are here having a debate.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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-----political debate.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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There you are. You admit it now. That is why you are here today.

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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Thank you very much, a Cheann Comhairle.

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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They are blowing your cover, Peadar.

James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I echo what has been said. The Tánaiste, and everyone in government, is deeply committed to working in partnership with families and advocates for children with spina bifida and scoliosis who require the caring support of our health system. Like many others, I want to express my sincere condolences to the Morrison Sherratt family and to underscore the Government's commitment to do more and deliver better services for all children and families. We need to ensure we have a more caring, more compassionate service and system where children who need support get it in the context of the reform of our health system. The Tánaiste is playing a central role in this. He has my full confidence and that of the Government to transform the approach to our health system.

I have been fortunate to work closely with the Tánaiste in this Government and in the previous one. During the programme for Government negotiations to build a stable coalition government and in all his actions in his roles as Taoiseach and Tánaiste, he has defended and protected Ireland's position as a small open economy against the threats of tariffs on a scale not seen for decades. He has maintained a really strong focus on Ireland's ongoing role in humanitarianism and human rights globally. Throughout each of these challenges the Tánaiste has demonstrated his abilities, conviction, leadership and commitment to building a better and fairer country.

Working with him and the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, as part of budget 2026, we have allocated an additional €1.5 billion for the Department of Health in 2026. Next year, disability funding will be over €3.83 billion, an increase of 19%.

At a time of heightened global and economic uncertainty, the scale of this investment from the Government shows that we are prioritising healthcare and disability services for all our people. It is important that we ensure this investment delivers improved treatment and outcomes for children and families. The Tánaiste is playing a leading role in this regard. He has my full confidence.

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I want to express my sincere sympathies to Harvey Morrison Sherratt's parents, Gillian and Stephen, and all families impacted by CHI's scoliosis and spinal surgery waiting list. This is a deeply serious issue, one on which we are all united across the Dáil in wanting to resolve. Simon, the Government and the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, are working with parents and advocates to agree a structured partnership to deal with the issues and challenges around scoliosis and spina bifida. This is real action not political point-scoring.

I fully support this motion of confidence in my party leader, Simon Harris, a leader who has delivered for Ireland. I see how hard the Tánaiste works. I see the results - real delivery and real progress. Under Simon Harris's leadership, the Government has protected jobs, supported businesses and strengthened Ireland's economy.

What has Aontú delivered for Ireland and for Mayo? Not one house, not one more road, not one job, not one hospital bed - nothing. Deputy Paul Lawless has delivered zero.

Aontú's latest attempt to grab the headlines is another political stunt. It has no substance, no solutions and no delivery. Deputy Tóibín and his party take our economic success for granted. The fact that we have resources today is because of prudent management by the Government, the Tánaiste's leadership and the hard work of the Irish people. In an era of global uncertainty, the Government and the Tánaiste are building resilience and opening doors for Irish businesses.

In recent months, the Minister, Deputy Peter Burke, and the Tánaiste launched the action plan on market diversification, alongside the action plan on competitiveness and productivity, a whole-of-government strategy to expand our global trade opportunities and build resilience into Irish SMEs. What does Aontú offer? Nothing.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I call the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell.

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It offers no constructive budget and no constructive policy.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Dillon, and call the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell.

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the parents of Harvey Morrison Sherratt. It must be very difficult for the family to lose a young son like that. The Tánaiste, Simon Harris, and the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, have met with Harvey's parents and there will be further meetings. They have agreed to work in partnership with parents and advocates on the inquiry into spina bifida and scoliosis services.

The most important people here are the parents and their children. They must be front and centre. The decision by the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, to integrate CHI into the Health Service Executive is welcome. That is needed.

The Tánaiste has always acted in good faith and sought to improve healthcare service in all roles in which he has served in the Government. I know that from personal experience. We all acknowledge that more needs to be done and more needs to be achieved. We are working in that regard to provide an increased level of investment and we are also introducing reform.

On a general note, in a democracy, governments and public representatives should be held to account. I agree with robust debate. However, I fail to see the benefit of Deputy Tóibín's actions or what benefit there is for the public good and improving health services in the country. In fact, what the public want is collaborative work in all these areas. We have seen it with Sláintecare, which was universally welcomed. It was agreed on a cross-party basis. We need to work in that way. Let us have robust debate but let us not personalise it. That serves no purpose.

I very much commend this motion of confidence in the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Harris, to the House.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I thank the Minister of State.

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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An Tánaiste, Simon Harris, has spent his entire career standing up and leading in the face of challenge - showing courage and compassion as he led this country through Covid. Within a month of taking office as Taoiseach, he led Ireland in formally recognising the State of Palestine and apologised to the families and victims of the Stardust tragedy.

He has ensured continued humanitarian aid for Gaza, shielded our economy from global shocks, and increased overseas aid when others have cut back. That is courage. That is leadership.

As a mum and a public representative, my thoughts and sympathies are with the family of Harvey Morrison Sherratt and with all families affected by scoliosis and spina bifida. This is a deeply sensitive issue, one that deserves compassion, care, and improved services, not carefully timed political stunts from the Opposition.

While Deputy Tóibín and others major in theatre, staging outrage on the plinth, the Tánaiste and this Government are delivering record employment.

Maeve O'Connell (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I am delighted to stand here today and say I have great confidence in the Tánaiste, Simon Harris. Before I was elected, which was only last year, I was a lecturer in TU Dublin and I saw at first hand the work he did to transform that sector when he was the first Minister for higher education.

I saw him raise the status of apprenticeships. I saw the pride of those students increase when they could walk around campus and feel more equal to all the other students. In particular, I saw the work he did to enable students with intellectual disabilities access college and third level places. Again, I saw those students transformed, contribute more to class, and to their classmates and making a greater contribution to society overall, and most importantly, as fully valued members of society. For those reasons I fully support the Tánaiste.

Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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I have listened really intently to every word that has been said here today by all of the speakers. We are here today specifically because of scoliosis and the promises that were made. Families were threatened, ignored, and told to go away. They were told that they were the problem. They were reported to Tusla and it was all under the Tánaiste's watch.

Children and young adults were told to go home and to go to their GPs. They were told to go home while their ribs and bones crushed their lungs until they could not breathe. That is a fact and it is why we are here. Mikey Henry-Benson, who I have mentioned here many times, is 17 years old and has a neurological condition. He is a wheelchair user. He had severe scoliosis with a spinal curve of over 100 degrees in 2023. It was made clear to his mum what could happen to his vital organs if his scoliosis was not treated, yet Mikey was left to deteriorate. His spine and lungs were not monitored for another eight months. Meanwhile, his lungs were severely compromised. He is now on a bilevel position airway pressure, BiPAP, machine every night to remove the carbon dioxide from his lungs. His parents said their hearts were completely shattered when they were then told that he could not have his scoliosis surgery. His spinal curve is now 130 degrees. It was preventable if only Mikey had been looked after. This would not happen in any other country.

That is the issue for the Government. It would not happen in any other country. That was made clear yesterday and it is part of why these children could not get the help they needed from abroad either. For clinicians in other countries to see these children and what we allowed to happen to them would not be acceptable. They would see the scale of the problem.

The Tánaiste promised Mikey and others that they would wait no longer than four months for their surgery. Mikey's suffering continues. His parents continue to fight for his life. Why are we not insourcing the expertise from Great Ormond Street Hospital or Stanmore hospital? I hold the Tánaiste and his Government responsible for allowing harm to be inflicted on these children and young adults. That is why I cannot express confidence in him or his Government today. I just do not trust them. Mikey's mum said:

We asked Simon Harris for help last year but it never happened. He just wished our family all the best. What I want to say cannot be said live on TV. He has let us down and has let children down.

That is why I am opposing the motion of confidence in the Tánaiste. To hear everybody uttering confidence today is deplorable.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Deputy, time is up. I call on Deputy Tóibín.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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We have heard a lot of nonsense today from the Government about the timing of this debate. This is the Government's motion. We in Aontú promised in August, after the death of Harvey Morrison Sherratt, that we would bring a motion of no confidence at the earliest opportunity. Next week is our earliest opportunity to do that. If the death of a child, the continuous, painful suffering of hundreds of children and the disablement of hundreds of children are not reason enough for a motion of confidence, what the hell is? In all the debates we have all the time in this place, if the continuous dysfunction of an organisation for well over a decade leading to all of this harm and the relationship with that organisation and the Minister in charge is not reason enough for a motion of no confidence, what the hell is? The Tánaiste needs to ask himself that question.

I want to bring this back, if I can, to the individual people who are concerned in this and the case of Kira Carberry, a 22-year-old girl from Longford. She was diagnosed with early onset scoliosis at the age of ten. At that time, she had a thoracic curvature of 45 degrees and was put on an urgent waiting list to see a consultant. That did not happen for 11 months. In that period of 11 months, the curvature more than doubled. While she waited, her thyroid was damaged, which affected her mood. Her lungs were crushed, which left her with lung disease. She struggles with stomach problems, which cause her chronic pain every single day, and she is dependent on medication to deal with that pain.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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I call on Deputy Michael Collins.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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This is what we are talking about here.

Michael Collins (Cork South-West, Independent Ireland Party)
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I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to Gillian and Stephen on the heartbreaking loss of their son Harvey. Harvey's story has touched the hearts of people throughout Ireland. He was a bright, brave young boy who endured immeasurable pain while waiting for care he desperately needed. No parent should have to fight for years to secure surgery for their child. No child should be removed from a waiting list without explanation. Harvey deserved better. His family deserved better. We, as public representatives, must ensure that no other family suffers the same fate.

Yesterday, I attended the meeting in the audiovisual room hosted by Senator Tom Clonan. From what I understood from listening to everyone in there, they are calling for an independent statutory inquiry into CHI's handling of children with complex health needs, which I fully agree with. Nowhere did I hear anyone calling for someone's resignation, and I am led by what the people want. I know the Tánaiste has expressed deep regret and acknowledged the family's pain. He has requested a full multidisciplinary report on Harvey's care timeline through the Minister for Health. We should be concentrating on CHI and Tusla, which have dramatically failed parents to the point of someone dying. I am pretty sure I heard in the audiovisual room that parents have been reported to Tusla to block them from expressing how their children have been treated.

CHI had similar failures. It removed Harvey from the scoliosis surgery waiting list without informing his parents. It delayed urgent care. It delayed surgery for 33 months. It gave inconsistent medical advice, which left the family confused and unsupported. It failed to co-ordinate care, leading to the worsening of Harvey's condition. His spine curved 130 degrees, crushing his lungs and heart. It ignored repeated pleas for help, including requests for meetings with health officials while Harvey was still alive.

Disability services abandoned Harvey in 2019, withdrawing disability support without explanation. They failed to provide essential equipment, including the communication device he waited five years for. They neglected specialist care, leaving Harvey without regular access to professionals for his complex needs. These failures contributed to Harvey's suffering and ultimately his death, despite his parents' tireless advocacy.

There needs to be urgent reform in Ireland's paediatric healthcare and disability services. There needs to be a full independent inquiry. I have been in the Dáil since 2016 and am an Independent TD. On previous motions of confidence in Dara Calleary, Barry Cowen and Frances Fitzgerald, I did not agree with a no-confidence vote. In most of these cases, reports were being drawn up. We are now in the same situation. A full multidisciplinary report on Harvey's healthcare is being drawn up and the course of Independent Ireland's action will depend on that outcome.

Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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As my colleague suggested, we have to be fair. A child's life is involved in this. His parents are not in the Public Gallery and have not, from what I understand, requested any motion to be brought in this House but have requested a multidisciplinary statutory inquiry. I sit on the the Opposition benches and I argue with the Government on many matters, but the Government has agreed to meet with that family and has engaged with them over and over again. I think political strokes are being pulled, not just on the Government side today but on the left as well. This battering of one another does nothing to help this family. It does nothing to ensure that no other child will suffer what Harvey went through. Only through the statutory inquiry, through getting it right and through fixing it and having a commitment left, right and centre in this House will we achieve something for that family and for the memory of that child. We have dragged that child's name through this House continuously for the last two and a half hours, and for what? Is it so that I can get on the front page of the Irish Independent or The Irish Times or whatever local newspaper, and so somebody will listen to me and talk to me and I will get a five-second clip on Virgin Media? That is not how we should be doing our business here. We should be coming together as a House to ensure that no other child goes through what Harvey went through.

I come here tonight, as the old phrase says, not to praise Caesar but not to bury him either. It is important that we do not bury one another for political point-scoring or one-upmanship when a child's life and other children's lives are at stake.

Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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In the spirit of my predecessor, I am also going to play the ball and not the man. This is an issue about scoliosis and spina bifida treatment. It is about what we learned yesterday at the presentation organised by Senator Tom Clonan, the heartbreak that was caused by the systemic failure of successive Governments and Children's Health Ireland, but also before the existence of Children's Health Ireland. The way families were treated was absolutely inhumane and shocking. I cannot even imagine what it was like because I did not go through it, but those stories would make anyone want to burst into tears.

That is what this motion is about. Some people might call it an opportunistic motion. I call it an opportunity to discuss this issue as quickly as possible. Last night, during the debate on the cost of disability, I referenced that presentation. Today, we have the opportunity to talk about it and, rather than have a go at people, I ask for a commitment from the Government today on the public inquiry.

The key requests for the inquiry are that it must compel people to participate and make documents available; children who have passed away must be included; young adults who have aged out of the services must be included; we must implement healthcare reform while the inquiry is ongoing; we must address clearly the consequences of neglect by CHI; and there must be a State appointed transition pathway for scoliosis and spina bifida. That is what people asked for yesterday. They want to see progress.

This motion mentions one individual, the Tánaiste, who as Minister for Health in 2017 made a promise that could not be kept. He was succeeded by former Deputy Stephen Donnelly and now the current Minister. It is the collective responsibility of the Government.

We have this opportunity and I would like to see in the remainder of this debate a clear statement of intent from the Government that it will implement a full statutory inquiry on the basis the parent representatives of the children requested. That is the only fair and meaningful thing we can do. I was inclined to abstain on this motion and I still am, but I will support the Government motion if I get that commitment.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Ar dtús, déanaim comhbhrón le muintir Harvey. Ar an lámh eile, tacaím leis an Tánaiste agus le rún an Rialtais atá os comhair na Dála inniu.

As his friend for a long time - since we both sat in this House together when we were first elected in 2011 - I will speak about the confidence I have in Simon Harris. Since he became a TD for Wicklow, and before that as a councillor and campaigner for autism services, Simon has worked day and night to the best of his ability for the people he serves, particularly people who feel ignored or excluded or who are treated differently. As a parent, I have seen his dedication and distress at the roadblocks and barriers faced by families trying to access vital services, particularly in the area of disability services. I have heard his frustration as representations he made on behalf of people were answered with clinical words and unacceptably long timelines.

I watched him rise through the political ranks and become a Minister, Taoiseach and Tánaiste. As a politician, he made his mark quickly. He is always able to set targets and encourages others to do the same, looking to the next challenge and pushing people around him to perform to his work rate, which is exemplary. He leads by example and is one of the most intelligent, strategically motivated and compassionate people I have ever worked with. He is also a human, husband and father and a person of great emotional depth. When he speaks to deliver change and results for people, it is not a lack of personal integrity or responsibility that inhibits him, but rather a structural deficiency in a system that cannot adapt and respond as quickly Simon Harris does.

We are here today because the system failed Harvey. The Taoiseach, Tánaiste and Minister for Health have detailed the changes that will be brought in as a result of that, particularly in the area of CHI. Political sniping and performative motions do not change the system. They only slow it down further and distract from the delivery and change we all desperately need to see happen for all our children. Children like Harvey deserve better and the memory of Harvey's life, his legacy, deserve better politics, policies, public service and political outcomes.

I support the motion of confidence in the Tánaiste.

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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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.

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

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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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.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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Like everyone who has spoken today, I acknowledge Harvey and his parents, Gillian and Stephen. I say this as a human being, a parent of three children and a Member of Dáil Éireann.

I also acknowledge Deputy O'Flynn's comments and the spirit in which he made them, which was in sharp contrast to the comments of Deputies McDonald and Paul Murphy, who should reflect on what they said. Deputy McDonald accused Simon Harris of saying something that sounded good on the radio, in the context of him being the Minister for Health. He is a person who has dedicated his life to public service. There is no need to question the sincerity of Ministers or other Members of the Dáil in the way Deputy McDonald did. All it does is serve to deliver further nastiness in politics, which incentivises the kinds of menacing threats and fear that are put out in the online and real world.

Simon Harris is someone who has proven when he was Minister for Health that he cared for his people and cared for his country. As Minister for higher education, he fulfilled a life-long mission to support people with intellectual disabilities and get them access to third level education. As Minister for foreign affairs in Europe, he has been a huge leader, speaking up on the war on children that has been taking place in Gaza. People should really reflect on the politicisation of this challenging issue that we have heard today. As Deputy O’Flynn said, is this really what the parents of children with such challenging and complex needs really want?

Micheál Carrigy (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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I too was in the audiovisual room yesterday where we were touched by the life experiences we heard of Ciara and others, including Harvey’s family. It is only right that we as a Government and a nation must do better. I fully support the motion of support in the Minister, Deputy Harris. He is honest and open. He is a leader; he is our leader and he is my leader and he turns aspirations into actions, as he said earlier. I chaired the Joint Committee on Autism and I challenged him to do more. We challenged him to provide more third level education and he did that. Eleven universities now provide courses for kids with intellectual disabilities and autism and one was just launched in Limerick on Monday. We challenged him for extra places; he provided over 100 places across the therapies not only in colleges here but also in Northern Ireland. We challenged him on assessment of need; he provided €10 million in 2024 for over 1,000 assessments of need and only last week there was €20 million in budget 2026 for more. We need more people like Simon Harris in government who are dedicated to public service.

Pa Daly (Kerry, Sinn Fein)
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Almost a decade ago, the Tánaiste pledged that no child would wait more than four months for spinal surgery. Eight years later, nine year old Harvey Sherratt Morrison died after waiting years for a procedure that could have saved his life. The curve in his spine went from 75 degrees to 130 degrees. By the time Harvey received spinal surgery, the curve had reached the point where it could not be fully corrected, causing his rib cage to twist around his lungs and heart, restricting his breathing and he lost his life - a life for which he and his parents had battled so long and hard.

His story demands accountability and it demands justice. His story of years of immense suffering and pain, of being ignored and sidelined, is not an isolated one. It is all too common for the many children and their families in Ireland suffering with scoliosis and spina bifida. Daniel Collins from Tralee is another child forced to wait years for urgent treatment. He was born with a number of disabilities which require extensive 24-7 care. In 2023, he was diagnosed with scoliosis. It was flagged as requiring urgent care but he did not receive surgery until June this year. One of the most distressing elements of his case is how familiar it sounds. He was waiting so long that his curve went from 22 degrees to 79 degrees to over 90 degrees. Liam Dennehy from Killarney also faced the same wait. He was left to wait so long that even after surgery he will be left with a 35 degree curve for life. His tendons have shortened, he continues to suffer with adult acid reflux and his hands will be locked inward for life. Speaking to his mother, Pam Dennehy, she said it was like being forced to watch your child die right before her eyes in a country that is supposed to have a health system that works but all around her, all she can see is failure - from no disability services to this Government's treatment of carers to the lack of early intervention classes in Kerry, in that it only has two for the whole county while a town like Mallow has three and Cork has 22. Those who need support and treatment the most are being totally overlooked and continuously failed. Pam said she was sickened by the fact that those in government who should be held accountable refused to take any responsibility. She said that they are allergic to accountability and as a result, things continue to get worse because nothing ever changes.

Pam asked me to ask everybody here how they would feel if the only hope their child had of receiving life-saving treatment was to force the Government's hand by posting pictures online? Pam said she still finds it hard to live with the fact that she was forced to do this. I hope you will agree she had no choice. After all, the first time she was ever contacted after years of reaching out was the night before the first failed surgery which finally took place a lot longer than the maximum four months that had been promised it would take. Finally, Pam asked me to say there was no more room for cynicism for the eighth, ninth or even 10th chance.

There was a similar vote of no confidence in 2019. That should have been the end of it. Gillian Sherratt said it best: you failed upwards and it is about justice, accountability and the truth. I hope all Kerry TDs will oppose the motion.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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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.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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The Minister of State, Deputy Butler, is next and is sharing time with the Minister, Deputy McEntee.

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I stand here this afternoon to acknowledge Harvey Morrison Sherratt and the absolute tragedy of his death. Harvey’s short life was marked by courage and resilience in the face of spina bifida and scoliosis and I acknowledge that he suffered delays in accessing the care he so desperately needed. To his parents, Gillian and Stephen, your advocacy and strength throughout all this time has brought the attention of the nation to the failings in our children’s health services. Your grief must be heard but I also want to say as somebody who has been in the Department of Health for the past six years, who has worked with many clinicians, nurses, doctors, carers, health and social care workers, no person in healthcare goes to work to do harm. They go to work to help and to heal.

The Tánaiste and the Minister for Health met with Harvey's parents. They listened to the concerns and committed to taking action with an inquiry into scoliosis and spina bifida care. The Minister, Deputy Carroll McNeill, has announced her intention to fully integrate Children's Health Ireland into the HSE, which I 100% endorse. It is a necessary step to ensure we strive to deliver the best healthcare for our children. We must act and we must reform. That is the least that Harvey deserves. The Tánaiste has shown us the courage to lead, even in difficult times.

I believe the Tánaiste acted in good faith. Simon Harris is determined to ensure this Government delivers the changes in reform that are necessary. He is a politician of action and he is working hard to ensure all members of Government deliver for children and deliver for Harvey's memory.

I utterly condemn the abuse, threats, social media rhetoric and vile language the Tánaiste and his family have been subjected to. It has crossed a line.

I express my confidence in the Tánaiste because of my lived experience of working with him for the past ten years. We soldiered together for many years on the cath lab for Waterford, which is state-of-the-art and up and running. We are at the final stage where the final staff for 24-7 care are being recruited. I worked closely with the Tánaiste in delivering a technological university for the south-east, which is hugely important for an area that did not have a university.

I will remember a really low day I had myself when dealing, in 2022, with the Maskey report on Kerry CAMHS and the harm that was caused to 240 children, with 42 of them significantly harmed. I was walking down the corridor after speaking in the Dáil when I met the Tánaiste on the bridge. The Tánaiste stopped me and he said, "Whatever we can do to help, whatever funding is required, you will have it." I thank the Tánaiste for that. I have never forgotten it.

Talk is cheap when we are speaking in this Chamber. Earlier Deputy Conor Sheehan called the Government "clapped out" and "a hollow husk", a phrase we have heard used a lot about the Government. I never come to work clapped out. None of my colleagues ever come to work clapped out. I am not hollow. I am in politics for the right reason to try and do the best I can. The Tánaiste is in politics for the right reason. Every one of my colleagues that I sit with every day of the week come to work to do the best they can. It is so easy, because it strikes me that I had only left the Chamber after being called "clapped out" when a Deputy stopped me to know whether I could do something for him. If I am clapped out, I do not know how I am going to be able to deliver. It is strange.

We have to get on with the work. We have completed only one budget in five. I am encouraged by the opportunity ahead for this Government to deliver.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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I have absolute confidence in the Tánaiste, Deputy Simon Harris. I say this not only as a colleague, but as someone who first met Simon 20 years ago, long before either of us was elected to politics. I know the kind of person he is. He is someone of compassion. He is someone with a relentless drive to deliver for people right across this country. He is someone who works tirelessly, who listens carefully and who leads with that compassion. He is a person who acts and who does not shy away from difficult issues - there are many challenges in politics - but also he is someone who has never forgotten why he got in to public life - to make his and, indeed, our communities better.

This motion of no confidence is not about solutions. It is not about making things better. It is not about compassion or accountability. It is a political stunt. Deputy Tóibín announced it more than a week before it could even be debated, not because he wanted to give families certainty but because he wanted to create a spectacle. For the Deputy's own record, if he checks his own Facebook comments, he himself has said that this upcoming election should be a referendum on Simon Harris.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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On the Government.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy's objective is clear here. Rather than be distracted by attempts at point scoring, this Government is determined to get on with the real work oif delivering an inquiry into scoliosis and spina bifida care that will finally give families and, most importantly, children the answers and improvements that they so rightly deserve.

I want to take this opportunity, along with so many others in this House, to offer my sincerest condolences to Gillian and Stephen, the parents of Harvey Morrison Sherratt, on their unimaginable loss. None of us can truly imagine what they are going through but what I can say, as has been said by so many colleagues, is that we are absolutely committed to do better. We must do better for Harvey, for his parents and for so many other children.

We have heard that the Tánaiste and the Minister for Health met Harvey's parents, Gillian and Stephen, and other parent advocates on 29 September and together they have agreed to work in partnership on the structure of that inquiry. I know, and I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy Carroll MacNeill, and the Tánaiste and others, that they will continue to engage with Harvey's parents and, indeed, with many others on further meetings.

No one in this Chamber has a monopoly on compassion. It is important to say that because every one of us - we have heard it eloquently from my colleague - cares deeply about the work that we do. We have been elected by those who have voted for us and those who have not in our constituency and our job is to come in here and to make the lives of those around us better to improve our communities.

The politics that I see coming out of this particular motion, let us be clear, is about dividing this Chamber. It is about dividing communities. What is even worse is that this type of politics is about dehumanising and personalising these types of issues and political point scoring on something that is so difficult for so many families. It is much easier to create a division but it is much harder to form a consensus and to make things better. Forming a consensus is what we are focused on doing here.

The number of children waiting more than a year on spinal surgery has dropped. There are more theatre sessions. There are more surgeons. There are more procedures happening than ever before. It is not enough but it is progress. It is delivery and we will do much more.

My colleague Simon Harris has shown significant leadership as Taoiseach and now as Tánaiste. We have seen real leadership and delivery, not only at home but abroad. He recognised the State of Palestine within a month of taking office as Taoiseach, showing absolute leadership at home but abroad as well. He apologised to the Stardust families after 42 long, difficult and painful years of waiting. He continues to defend Ireland's interests globally, as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence. As Minister for Health, he established the all-party Sláintecare committee. He led the implementation of this report. He expanded access to medical and GP visit cards for children with disabilities. He introduced State-funded IVF. As Minister for further and higher education, he reformed our apprenticeship system and he worked to establish new technological universities across our country. As Minister for Justice, he introduced legislation to increase penalties for assaults against emergency workers, ensuring stronger protections for those who serve the public.

More broadly, for those who think this Government is done, we have only started. This was the first budget of five. We cannot remind people enough of that. We are focused on making sure that we provide real opportunities for families in every part of this country and we started by making sure we increase carer's supports, increasing supports for people with disabilities, building more homes than at any point in the past decade and ensuring we have regional balanced development. All of this has been done with the support of our Tánaiste, somebody that I and all of us are proud to work with.

Politics is about making a difference. It is about showing up. It is about working together. It is about improving lives, not scoring points, which is what Deputy Tóibín is trying to do here.

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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It is about accountability.

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The motion of no confidence was designed to divide, distract and drag the Dáil into theatre at a time when families are looking for solutions. By contrast, Simon Harris's leadership, at home and abroad, has built consensus and delivered results. I am proud to say that I have every confidence in our Tánaiste, in this Government and in the values that guide us - compassion, delivery and integrity in public life.