Spina Bifida & Scoliosis Services Update: Statutory Public Inquiry

Introduction

The Government has appointed Remy Farrell SC as the independent facilitator for a scoping exercise that will take place ahead of a statutory public inquiry into Spina Bifida and complex Scoliosis services.

The appointment was announced by Ms Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister for Health, following the Government’s decision in November 2025 to establish a statutory inquiry into the delivery of spinal services to children.

The scoping exercise began on 4 March 2026 and is expected to run for 16 weeks. The scoping exercise will inform the terms of reference and structure of the planned statutory public inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services in Ireland.

This phase will involve direct engagement with families, advocacy groups, and clinicians to ensure a patient-centred, trauma-informed approach.

Background: Statutory Public Inquiry

This decision by the Government in November 2025 to establish a public inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services came on the foot of a recommendation by the Minister for Health, following consultation with advocacy groups and families impacted by delays in the provision of services.

The inquiry, approved by Cabinet in November 2025, aims to investigate the quality, safety and governance of spinal services for children, including potential links between delayed care and patient deaths.

The Department of Health has said it will “consult closely” with the Office of the Attorney General on progressing the inquiry.

“This will be a time-bound exercise, but there is a considerable body of work to be undertaken to ensure that we ultimately have the clearest possible terms of reference for a statutory inquiry", the Department said in a statement.

Next Steps

If you are concerned about treatment that you or your child received in terms of spina bifida or complex spinal problems, you should consider:

• Attending any clinical follow-up appointments offered to assess your or your child's current status

• Gathering and preserving all medical records, correspondence and documentation relating to your or your child's treatment

• Documenting your or your child's ongoing symptoms and the impact on their daily life

• Seeking specialist legal advice to understand your options

Why Choose Lavelle Partners?

Spina Bifida and Scoliosis injury claims can be complex, and individuals who have suffered serious injuries need expert legal support, ideally from the earliest stages of their recovery.

At Lavelle Partners, our dedicated team of specialists Solicitors can support you through every step of the process. With over 35 years of experience in handling complex Medical Negligence & Personal Injury cases, our firm is committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients.

Further Information

For expert legal advice or if you are concerned about the treatment you or your child received, please contact Avril Scally or Grace Molloy in our award-winning Medical Negligence & Personal Injury Team to discuss your concerns in the strictest confidence.