‘We need clear answers’ - Kilkenny senator calls for change after children’s spinal care inquiry

Several cases of Kilkenny children’s difficulties around spinal care have been raised in the Dáil in recent months

Published 5th Apr 2026, 14:00 BST Several cases of Kilkenny children’s difficulties around spinal care have been raised in the Dáil in recent months Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.

Senator Patricia Stephenson has this week called for the upcoming inquiry into children’s spinal surgeries and the gaps in Spina Bifida and Scoliosis care in Ireland to be full and comprehensive.

The Kilkenny based senator stressed that it must deliver real answers for families and not repeat the mistakes of past reviews.

“This inquiry is to examine the failures by CHI [Children’s Hospital Ireland] to care for children with spinal conditions. It follows serious concerns about waiting list irregularities and the use of implantation springs in children,” Senator Stephenson said.

“Serious mistakes were made in the care of children by CHI. We need clear answers, we need to know who knew what, when decisions were made and why action was not taken sooner.” Families need to know that this inquiry will deliver real change.”

Senator Stephenson said that while the inquiry is welcome “it must be done properly and the voices of the children and their families must be at the heart of it.”Families have been waiting far too long for answers.”

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“We cannot have another inquiry that drags on for years without delivering clarity, accountability or change. The inquiry must also include those young people who have aged out of children’s services, without the treatment they needed.”

“Tragically earlier this month, Chloe Maher, who was only 23, died after her treatment was delayed and she aged out of children’s services. This isn’t the first review into controversies at CHI around spinal surgeries,” she added.

Senator Stephenson continued that “waiting list management needs clarity; an audit was promised in November, then February and now it’s been promised in April. These delays are furthering distrust in the system.”

“Families need to know if CHI is withholding information and ultimately what the Minister for Health is going to do.”

Senator Stephenson concluded, “we have seen too many inquiries take years, cost millions and still leave families without real answers. This must be different - it must be timely, transparent and focused on outcomes.”

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