Simon Harris Facing Opposition Calls To Resign Following Death Of Young Boy With Scoliosis

Sinn Fein has stopped short of calling for the Tanaiste to resign but another Opposition party Aontu is calling for him to step down.

The Tanaiste is being urged to meet with the parents of a young Dublin boy who died two weeks ago. The Sinn Fein leader has written to Simon Harris following the death of Harvey Morrison, who had scoliosis and spina bifada.

Nine-year-old Harvey Morrison from Clondalkin died on the 29th of July. After being on a waiting list for numerous years, in 2024 he finally received the first of two spinal surgeries.

At present - 131 children are still actively waiting for spinal surgeries

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald says the improvement in his condition was remarkable but was too late.

She said the delays were intolerable and tragically limited what could have been achieved if the surgery had been carried out within the four month target limit set down by the then Health Minister Simon Harris.

Mary Lou McDonald has now written to the Tanaiste asking him to urgently meet with Harvey's parents. She says the State completely failed Harvey and Simon Harris should have met with them previously. At present - 131 children are still actively waiting for spinal surgery

A spokesperson for Mr Harris said that when Harvey's case was raised first with the Tánaiste, his office immediately contacted the Department of Health and the HSE and asked for immediate clinical attention. The spokesperson said.

"The Tánaiste expresses his deepest condolences to the family, as he did when he was asked about this matter on Monday,"

He added that Mr Harris expects and "has been assured" that the Department of Health, the HSE and CHI will be available to support and engage with the family.''