Rhode scoliosis activist backs calls for Simon Harris's resignation

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Rhode native Gary Farrell, founder of Scoliosis Ireland, has backed calls for Tánaiste Simon Harris to resign following the death of a nine-year-old boy just two weeks ago.

Harvey Morrison, who had scoliosis and spina bifida, faced delays of three years in accessing surgery.

Mr Harris was due to meet with Harvey and his family before his passing, but the meeting never came to fruition.

The founder of Scoliosis Ireland has described the loss of Harvey due to the delays in treatment as 'disgraceful'.

"In 2017, Minister for Health at the time, Simon Harris, made a promise to children and families across Ireland that no child would wait longer than four months for scoliosis surgery.

"This is a promise he made and a promise he has broken since the very day he announced it. This was supposed to be a very special time for everyone in the scoliosis community as it was the news we’ve all wanted but instead, children have become inoperable, children have died and that promise was broken."

Mr Farrell is now backing calls from the public for the Tánaiste to resign.

"Simon Harris needs to resign because of his disgraceful actions. For not following up with CHI, and not meeting with parents. Shame on him."

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