The Irish Government has appointed an independent facilitator to lead a scoping exercise that will inform the terms of reference and potential structure of a statutory public inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services.
Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, announced the appointment of Remy Farrell Senior Counsel (SC), which follows the agreement by the Government in November 2025 to carry out a time-bound scoping exercise.
The work will run for up to 16 weeks.
Farrell, a leading Irish barrister specialising in criminal, regulatory, and administrative law, will fulfil his role as facilitator through direct engagement with families, advocacy groups, clinicians, and other stakeholders, recognising the seriousness of the concerns raised and the need for a thorough, transparent examination of services.
He has extensive experience in sensitive and complex matters and will lead a structured programme of engagement designed to ensure the voices of families are central to the process.
The final report and recommendations will be submitted to Government.