The Tánaiste made an infamous promise to parents in 2017 that nobody would be waiting for a scoliosis operation for more than four months. When are we going to reach that point? It seems that 226 children are on the CHI spinal surgery list. In August, 135 were actively waiting, ready to go. The numbers on the spinal outpatient lists are over 461. The CHI spinal surgery management unit said there are delays of months before children can even be seen. When will this promise be kept?

Sentiment score: 0.19

There are three issues. Does the Minister have confidence in the clinical lead of the paediatric spinal surgery management unit? This is the person who took Harvey Sherratt off the waiting list without parental knowledge or consent. How many other children were taken off the lists in that way? Second, does the Minister have any knowledge of any other medical devices that have been used in an off-label fashion at CHI without parental consent? Third, to refer as she did in a previous answer to the nature of an inquiry, the Minister mentioned that the person leading the inquiry would have a say. I do not really understand that point. The key people who should have a say on this are obviously the people affected. I urge the Minister to ensure that any inquiry is public and is satisfactory for the parents who have been lobbying and campaigning, especially those, like Gillian and Stephen, who have lost a child and continue to campaign on this issue.

Sentiment score: 0.12

So the Minister has confidence in the clinical lead, or does she not?

Sentiment score: 0.51

Okay.

Sentiment score: 0.23

I am sorry; I will clarify. Parents and advocates are asking about three particular issues in this regard. First, they want to know if the Minister has confidence in the clinical lead. Second, which I do not think she referred to either, is she aware of any other devices that have been used in an off-label way - parents have said this - and inserted into children? Third, we all know that it is not the best approach, obviously, for children of this nature to be going abroad. Why is it always that we cannot bring surgeons here or upskill enough and invest enough that the resources and equipment can be available here? It can be very difficult and expensive for children to go abroad in this way.

Sentiment score: -0.07