Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Cullinane for raising this matter and bringing Liam's case to my attention. Deputy Healy-Rae also wrote to me on this issue today about Liam. I thank both Deputies for highlighting the case. I have contacted the office of the Minister for Health to seek a direct update for the Deputy. As the Deputy will be aware it is not within my gift to make commitments around clinical appointments on the floor of the Dáil but it is right and proper that the Deputy raised it with me and it is right and proper that I get an update for the Deputy.

The Deputy also asked quite rightly what more we can do around investing and supporting the provision of children spinal services. I did talk with the Deputy about this in this House last week and about the fact that a clinical lead Mr. David Moore had been appointed by the Minister for Health. Since Mr. Moore's appointment I understand that the Minister has allocated further funding of €1.34 million to enhance spinal services in Children's Health Ireland, CHI, following a request from Mr. Moore. That is just a direct answer to the issue the Deputy raised last week.

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