Mark Duffy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister is very welcome, and I thank her for joining us for the discussion on such an important topic for so many vulnerable people.

I raise a specific example of an issue regarding scoliosis, which relates to a 16-year-old child in my constituency of Mayo who was born with neurological issues and in 2020 was diagnosed with scoliosis. In 2023, he was examined and identified for surgery. Unfortunately, since then he has not had treatment. He has a 103-degree spine curvature and has all of the identified reasoning for surgery. Unfortunately, the hospital the family has dealt with has decided against surgery. The family themselves are heartbroken with the lack of a second opinion that has been afforded to them.

The hospital stated it has a second opinion that has been given but it has been given internally within the hospital setting. They want a second opinion from expertise in either London or Boston.I have the permission of the family in question to speak but I will not go into the details. I would appreciate if the Minister were able to give it attention. Perhaps we could speak about it more directly offline. Every day, the child is declining in health. The family feel helpless and heartbroken because of the situation. I would love if we could work together to help the child or at least give some hope through a second opinion. Perhaps this Bill could make room for second opinions beyond the internal orbit of the hospital in which a case is being dealt with. I would like to see the opportunity for second opinions, whether from London or Boston, and I would appreciate the Minister's support in that regard. I thank her for giving attention to this issue.