No measure can ease pain of scoliosis failures - minister

Updated / Thursday, 22 Oct 2026 17:12

The Minister for Health has acknowledged that no measures the Government may introduce will alleviate the pain endured by those affected by failures in spina bifida and scoliosis services.

She told the Dáil that stakeholders will be consulted by her officials, who will work with the Attorney General to draft terms of reference for a commission of inquiry.

The minister was speaking during Statements on Children's Health Ireland (CHI), which was also attended in the visitors' gallery by some of those who have been advocating for action on the matter.

Ms Carroll MacNeill said that she received the final scoping report on 9 September, and expressed her gratitude to Remy Farrell SC for his efforts to "capture the pain" and "very real frustration" of those affected.

She noted that a commission of investigation, as recommended by Mr Farrell, allows for greater flexibility than a tribunal, including private hearings.

She noted that witnesses can request whether to have their testimony heard in public or private.

The minister endorsed Mr Farrell's recommendation that a specific timeframe and parameters be set in order to get a definite outcome.

Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane detailed the plethora of reports which have been compiled on the scandal, saying it was "a list as long as any of our arms".

"What's missing in all of that, minister, is the Government listening to parents and real accountability," he said.

The deputy said that individual cases must be carefully examined to expose systemic failures.

"That's how you establish the truth."

Labour TD Marie Sherlock said that those affected have had their trust "dented time and time again".

"We have to understand why people want a public inquiry," she said.

"They want the disinfectant of sunlight," the deputy said, "and they are not clear they are going to get this".

Social Democrat TD Pádraig Rice said that "the scale of the failings in CHI are extraordinary".

"We need to get this right for all of them," he said, and agreed with Deputy Cullinane's concerns, including extending the parameters back beyond the foundation of CHI in 2019.

"I think you should go much further back."