Joe McGivern 'shocked' no plane available for Meadhbh after transplant

The father of a Leitrim schoolgirl who underwent a liver transplant in London has spoken of his shock at discovering that a state aircraft will not be provided to transport his daughter home.

Fourteen-year-old Meadhbh McGivern is recovering after a marathon operation at Kings College Hospital on Thursday morning.

The teenager previously missed out on a chance for a new liver in July after a botched organisation of transport by Irish authorities.

Meadhbh got a second chance when she got a call last Wednesday night and was flown by government jet to London.

Her father Joe McGivern has told the Irish Independent that he's "absolutely horrified" to discover Meadhbh will be forced to board a regular flight with hundreds of other passengers after the lifesaving surgery.

He is planning to write to Health Minister James Reilly about the issue.