Minister for Health is failing in his duty to seriously unwell children
Labour Spokesperson on Health, Alan Kelly TD, has described as wholly unacceptable the waiting lists facing sick children. Deputy Kelly has called on Minister Harris to come before the Dáil to explain the cause of these waiting lists and his plan to address the issue.
Deputy Kelly said;
“There are now over 10,300 children waiting for essential care. Some will wait a year and a half to see a specialist. Parents of these children and all of us who want to see a first-class health service for all children are suitably concerned about the impact these waiting periods will have on children.
“On this Minister’s watch, the list of children waiting more than 18 months has grown from 505 to over 10,000. The Minister for Health is failing in his duty to these children and has shown himself to not be up to the task of tackling this crisis.
“Simon Harris has promised to bring waiting list for conditions such as Spiobefida under control for the last two years and has failed. I think the Minister owes the Dáil, and the families of those children waiting for these essential appointments, answers.
“This cannot be allowed to continue as is.”