Spinal care taskforce has not met in over six months

Thu, 26 Mar, 2026 - 15:51

Niamh Griffin

The Government’s spinal care taskforce has not met in over six months and one member said he does not even know when the next meeting is due. The taskforce was set up in 2024 following public outrage at scandals linked to care at Children’s Health Ireland. It includes the HSE, department of health, CHI and three patient groups.

Gerry Maguire is the chief executive of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland. It represents over 1,000 people.

“The meetings were held regularly but we haven’t had a meeting since September,” he said on Thursday.

What have we learnt about spinal care at Children’s Health Ireland?

Spinal taskforce at Temple Street Hospital holds first meeting

“I have not been informed as to why that is the case, which I find frustrating.”

He said they “reluctantly agreed to take part in the taskforce” to help with reform.

Meeting minutes are usually approved by members soon after, but he has not yet seen those for September.

Query if taskforce has been wound up

He previously raised questions about its work being wound up when health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill took over.

“I was assured that wasn’t the case but maybe it is,” he said. “If the taskforce has been wound up, it would be nice for me to know.”

He welcomed progress the taskforce supported including better pathways for teens entering adult services.

A Department of Health spokeswoman said the minutes have not been published as members have not yet approved them.

“The next meeting of the taskforce is currently being organised and will be held in the coming weeks,” she said.

Some advocates opted not to join the taskforce.

Amanda Coughlan Santry is co-founder of the Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Paediatric Advocacy Group.

She raised concerns the lack of meetings has implications for how the upcoming public inquiry will progress "despite the best intentions of other advocates who chose to engage."