Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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132. To ask the Minister for Health if she will agree to a statutory inquiry into possible malpractice at Children's Health Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52559/25]

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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160. To ask the Minister for Health if she will hold a statutory inquiry into orthopaedic surgery at Children's Health Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52560/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 160 together.

On Monday the Tánaiste and I met with Harvey’s parents along with other advocates to support the family. The Tánaiste and I listened carefully to what Gillian and Stephen. I know it must have been particularly poignant and difficult for them given the meeting was held on the two-month anniversary of the death of their little boy.

At the meeting, it was agreed to work in partnership on the structure of an inquiry into Spina bifida and complex scoliosis services at CHI.

I, along with the parents, need to reflect and discuss further on what the most effective model of inquiry should be. It was agreed to have a follow up meeting in three weeks’ time.

This inquiry will be part of the wider reflection on paediatric services in CHI.

The HSE CEO has established the CHI Oversight Improvement Steering Group.

This group oversees the implementation of recommendations from completed reviews, including the HIQA review. They also oversee upcoming reports (including the Nayagam review), spinal services, and the commissioning of the new hospital.

The HSE CEO has also commissioned an audit to assess governance and equity in access to care within CHI, especially regarding the balance between public and private patient management. The audit is underway, and the outcome is expected within the next few months.