The latest Tusla report uncovers worrying conditions at a Wexford creche, where babies were left crying and staff struggled to meet basic care needs.
Philip Treacy of Coleman Legal features on RTÉ Investigates to highlight legal challenges survivors face in Christian Brothers abuse cases.
The Kilkenny school sexual abuse case involving Martin O’Flaherty reveals the suffering of 29 boys, with recent court proceedings uncovering new victims after 40 years.
Defective Blocks newsletter and latest updates.
Mother and Baby Homes redress newsletter and latest updates.
CAMHS newsletter and latest updates.
The maternity services at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe, County Galway, are under heightened scrutiny following the tragic death of another newborn. This incident has triggered a tenth external review into the hospital’s maternity and neonatal care practices.
In January 2025, the Health Service Executive (HSE) launched nine separate external reviews after identifying seven hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) cases — six in 2024 and one in early 2025.
HIE is a birth injury that occurs when a baby’s brain is deprived of oxygen and blood, potentially causing permanent damage. Six of the affected infants received neonatal therapeutic hypothermia (also called neonatal cooling), a treatment to reduce brain injury risk. Further compounding concerns, the hospital reported two stillbirths in the past year. These cases are also under external review, bringing the total number of ongoing investigations to ten.
An HSE West and North West spokesperson confirmed that a new review is now underway following the recent death of a baby at the Portiuncula University Hospital. This brings the total number of active external investigations into maternity care at Portiuncula to ten.
An external management team remains in place to supervise all aspects of maternity, gynaecological, and neonatal care. Led by consultant obstetrician Dr Mark Skehan, the team ensures safety and consistency across all services and reports directly to HSE regional management.
Although the initial reviews began in January, none have been fully completed. Dr Pat Nash, Regional Clinical Director for HSE West and North West, noted that some reviews were expected to conclude in February, with the remaining taking several more months. The HSE has committed to sharing the findings with the families involved and stressed the importance of allowing the review teams sufficient time to complete their work thoroughly.
A spokesperson for Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill confirmed she recently met with families affected by the incidents. The Minister expressed her understanding of their distress and stressed that the HSE must keep families fully informed at every stage of the review process and offer appropriate support. The HSE has made a support helpline available at 1800-807-008.
At Coleman Legal LLP, we understand the emotional and legal complexities surrounding birth injuries and neonatal care negligence. If you believe that substandard care may have affected you or your baby, you may be entitled to take legal action. Our medical negligence solicitor, Diane Treanor, can support you through the process with compassion, discretion, and legal expertise. For a confidential consultation, call our free phone number 1800-844-104 or email us at [email protected]
Philip Treacy of Coleman Legal features on RTÉ Investigates to highlight legal challenges survivors face in Christian Brothers abuse cases.
The Kilkenny school sexual abuse case involving Martin O’Flaherty reveals the suffering of 29 boys, with recent court proceedings uncovering new victims after 40 years.
The HSE has failed to carry out thousands of assessments of needs within the statutory timeframe, affecting children’s access to support services.
Head of Client Services
F: 1800-844-104
E: [email protected]
”At Coleman Legal, excellence in customer care is paramount. We aim to meet both prospective and existing clients’ needs professionally and in a friendly manner with a clear objective of giving quality legal advice and reaching a positive outcome.”
