The CHI inquiry report has been published by Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, following an independent scoping exercise into spina bifida and scoliosis services at Children’s Health Ireland. The publication marks an important step towards a proposed statutory Commission of Investigation.
The report was prepared by Remy Farrell Senior Counsel, who was appointed to examine the potential scope, structure and terms of reference for a future inquiry. His work followed consultations with advocacy groups, parents and families affected by concerns surrounding children’s healthcare services.
CHI inquiry report recommendations accepted in full
According to the Department of Health, the Government has accepted all recommendations contained in the CHI inquiry report. Department officials will now work with the Office of the Attorney General to draft detailed Terms of Reference for the proposed Commission of Investigation.
Those Terms of Reference will set out the issues to be examined, the breadth of the investigation and the proposed statutory framework. Once drafted, they will be submitted to Government for approval.
Focus on families and patient experiences
Minister Carroll MacNeill acknowledged the contribution made by families and advocacy organisations during the scoping exercise. Their experiences, particularly in relation to spina bifida and scoliosis services, helped inform the report’s recommendations.
The Minister also thanked Remy Farrell for his independent work and for his consideration of the complex issues raised during the process.
How the CHI inquiry process began
The Government agreed on 18 November 2025 that a facilitator should consult stakeholders before an inquiry was established. The purpose was to identify the appropriate scope and content of possible Terms of Reference while avoiding unnecessary duplication with existing reports or statutory procedures.
Remy Farrell was appointed by the Minister for Health as independent facilitator and began the scoping exercise on 3 March 2026. The exercise considered:
- Existing information and relevant reports
- Consultation with parents, families and advocacy groups
- Potential overlap with other statutory processes
- The scope, format and breadth of a future inquiry
- Possible content for the Commission’s Terms of Reference
What happens next?
The next stage involves drafting and approving the Terms of Reference. A statutory Commission of Investigation would then provide the formal framework for examining the matters identified through the scoping process.
The Health Service Executive (HSE), Children’s Health Ireland and other relevant public bodies may be required to engage with the process once its remit is formally approved. The Department of Health remains responsible for progressing the Government’s decision in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office.
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Key takeaway
The CHI inquiry report provides the foundation for the next phase of the Government’s response to concerns about spina bifida and scoliosis services. With recommendations accepted in full, attention now turns to the drafting and approval of the Terms of Reference for a proposed statutory Commission of Investigation.
Article/Image Courtesy: Department of Health
