An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business
Seanad Éireann — 2026-09-22
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Chris Andrews (SF), Labour Panel

I also extend my condolences to the family and friends of former Senator Enda Bonner, and to Senator Craughwell. It is a difficult time for him and it is great to see him back in the Chamber.
I was in the 3Arena on 1 August when a 31-year-old boxer, Lee Reeves, was fighting. It was a tough fight. Lee was stopped. It looked serious at the time but we only found out afterwards how serious it was. Lee is in a coma. He is breathing on his own but in desperate and urgent need of an operation. I have been in contact with his family and they are understandably devastated. Lee has had to have a section of his skull removed to allow for his brain to expand. It needs to be replaced but the operation has been cancelled twice. That is simply not good enough. The operation is needed as a matter of urgency.
Yesterday, Lee managed to partially open his eyes and to squeeze his father's hand when prompted. It is a very small step to recovery but at least it is something positive. The HSE needs to ensure this vital operation is carried out as a matter of urgency. There is a meeting with the Reeves family and medics in the Mater Hospital today. It is important for his recovery that Lee gets the operation. He needs a definite timeline. They cannot afford for it to be cancelled for a third time. The family is devastated. Lee is in a very delicate state of health. Will the Leader's office engage with the HSE to ensure the urgency of this operation is passed on? He is a young man, 31 years of age, with a big future ahead of him but it is vital he gets the treatment he needs now. Our thoughts remain with Lee and his family and we hope he makes a speedy and positive recovery.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-09-22/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:49+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-22