TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has said any inquiry into scoliosis and spina bifida care must be “transparent and public”. 

The government committed to an inquiry following yesterday’s meeting between the parents of Harvey Morrison Sherratt, Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. 

Stephen Morrison and Gillian Sherratt welcomed the promise, saying they hope it will “bring some justice” for their 9-year-old son who died two months ago after waiting years for spinal surgery.

Speaking about the inquiry today during Leaders’ Questions, the Taoiseach said it was a “very serious issue which demands a very profound, comprehensive response”.

“We do have to do much better when it comes to healthcare services for our children. I understand the anger and frustrations felt by parents, children and young people who are either waiting for surgery or who are engaged with clinicians and with hospitals in respect of their individual cases,” he told the Dáil.

At yesterday’s meeting, it was agreed that there would be a “partnership approach” to develop proposals in relation to the structure of an inquiry into spina bifida and scoliosis services, said the Taoiseach 

A follow up meeting will take place in three weeks, he confirmed.

“The precise nature, I think the minister wants to reflect and discuss further with the parents. It is important, I think, that we give this thought, think it through, to get the most effective inquiry, obviously an inquiry that is transparent and public, but also that that can enable us to get to the truth and also get to a better situation post inquiry for services for children right now and into the future,” said Martin.

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The Taoiseach said it makes “absolute sense” that Children’s Health Ireland, which operates the children’s hospitals in the country, be subsumed into the HSE.

In health, historically, institutions have been too institution-centered as opposed to being patient-centered, added Martin.

Progress is being made in terms of spinal services, said the Taoiseach. “But it’s not enough,” he concluded.