I will raise with the Taoiseach a particular case that illustrates the problems in our health service and the fact that children with complex needs are being failed by the State. Brody Martin is eight years old and has multiple complex needs that mean he cannot be left by himself. He has to be minded at all times. He needs to have spinal surgery every six months. He was due to be in Crumlin hospital this Tuesday but his operation was cancelled on Friday. His mother was told this was because the hospital could not offer any supports, that is, when she went to drop Brody's brother to crèche, there would be nobody available to watch him. His consultant has said that, if he does not get his surgery before winter, he is in danger of getting pneumonia. His mother has said to me that he is not an animal, he is a child. It is incredible that we do not have the resources to ensure that children with complex needs can get the operations they need.

I do not know the background to this case so it is very difficult to respond. It is my view that the service should make every effort. If a date is given for surgery, the child in question should have that surgery and every effort should be made to provide wraparound services. I do not know why that is not the case here. It should be.