Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

Some 14 months ago, the tragic death of Róisín Ruddle occurred after she was sent home because an operation could not proceed at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin. The then Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin, promised an investigation into the affair but there is still no sight of it 14 months later. Last Monday, operations on two children were cancelled with one child already gowned and ready for theatre. That child's operation was first scheduled for last June but was cancelled. Can one imagine the emotional trauma of the child's parents? Some 20 heart operations on children at Crumlin hospital have been deferred. Will the new Minister for Health and Children take action to rectify the situation at Crumlin hospital to ensure there are no more tragic losses?