I welcome the decision to fold CHI into the HSE. We called for it a number of months ago. However, a number of serious issues have not been dealt with yet.

First, I raised the case of Harvey Morrison Sherratt with Simon Harris about a year ago when he was taken off the waiting list for surgery. Simon Harris told me he would find out how many other parents and children had been taken off that list. A year later, I have not received that information. Critically, 230 children are currently on that waiting list. In January this year, €11.6 million was given for those children to be able to have operations abroad. Right now, no children are scheduled to have operations abroad. Despite the fact that we have gone through an horrendous summer as regards difficulties children have had and that the money is sitting there, some dysfunction is stopping those children going abroad for those operations. CHI has still not published its 2024 report, which is quite incredible, the Minister must agree. I understand CHI is also sitting on a big pot of money that it is not using for the benefit of these children.

I have seen few people who care more about children with scoliosis and their health needs than Simon Harris. I have seen at first hand the commitment he has had to making a difference to their lives and health.

Hear, hear.

I have seen few people who are moved more by the pain they are in and the needs they and their families have than Simon. I absolutely refute some of the things Deputy Tóibín has said about him and tell him that some of the claims he has made are cynical.

Like what?

They devalue the commitment-----

I am sorry, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, but claims like what?

-----the Tánaiste and the current Minister for Health have to making a difference to those who need support.

Like what, Minister?

In relation to the points the Deputy made, the Government has made available - because we know it needs to be done - additional operating capacity in Ireland to support families who need that healthcare and we have put in place the surgeons and support to do it. I will certainly follow up on the status of the need for children to travel abroad to get that healthcare, but in many cases it can be driven by clinical considerations. We have to respect those who make the decisions. Let me emphasise that the Tánaiste and the rest of the Government are absolutely committed to doing all we can to put the supports in place for the young children who need the support.

Deputy Rice.

A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, it is poor performance by the Minister to make an allegation in relation to things I said and when I ask him to indicate what it was I said, he does not give that information. It is very poor.

Deputy Tóibín, you can write to the Ceann Comhairle about your complaint. This is not the place for it. I call Deputy Rice.