I received a message this morning from the parents of Mikey Henry-Benson from Mayo, who has scoliosis. The Minister met and knows the family. The parents stated that CHI has ruined their lives, shattered Mikey's sisters' lives and destroyed Mikey's chance at life. They stated that the HSE has put another nail in it. They stated that they asked the HSE for an independent assessment for Mikey but he most certainly did not get that. The HSE said it was going to go with what CHI said. The message went on to ask why the State is not helping the family to get Mikey to a hospital where surgeons deal with cases such as his on a daily basis. They asked if he is not worth the bother. I heard the Minister's statement earlier. She spoke about improved access to international options for assessment. I ask her to please clear the pathway for Mikey to have that international assessment. I am not asking for a clinical decision. I am begging for an assessment to save his life. In September 2024, I first raised the case of Mikey Henry-Benson, who was under the care of CHI to treat his scoliosis. On that occasion and on many occasions since, I asked for a full independent assessment of his case after the family were let down time and again by CHI. How was his spinal curve allowed to go from 82° to now 130° without intervention and in full view of CHI and the HSE, and, indeed, Ministers for Health? Families like Mikey's are constantly given assurances that are not translated into action. Let me once again outline Mikey's journey and the progression of his condition to illustrate the human consequences of a system that fails to respond with urgency. Mikey is a wheelchair user with a neurological condition. In 2023, he was diagnosed with severe scoliosis. It was made clear to his parents what could happen to his vital organs if his scoliosis was not treated, yet Mikey was left to deteriorate. He was told he needed surgery. His spine and lungs were not monitored for another eight months. His spinal curvature progressed significantly and, as I said, is now 130°. His lungs are severely compromised and he requires a machine to breathe at night. The need for specialist surgical intervention has long passed. His parents watch their child live with constant discomfort and physical distress. They have repeatedly raised concerns about the speed of the progression of his curve and the impact it is having on his health and well-being. They asked to access surgeons and hospitals outside of the State with extensive experience in treating severe and complex scoliosis cases. I ask the Minister to please help us to save Mikey's life. This has been going on for far too long. I first brought this case to the attention of the Dáil in September 2024 .

Sentiment score: 0.05