A doctor’s use of a drug on a child, which has a known risk of stunting growth, was justified because of the “exceptional circumstances” involved, an inquiry has heard.

An expert in skin conditions has told a medical hearing he was “a bit shocked” to learn another consultant dermatologist had prescribed a medication, normally given to adults only, to an 11-year-old boy.

A consultant dermatologist failed to take skin biopsies from a number of his patients and failed to diagnose certain conditions or provide adequate treatments, a Medical Council hearing heard yesterday.

TWO weeks before she disappeared Meg Walsh told gardaí she had been assaulted by her husband, who is now on trial for her murder at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin.

Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Hanks and Tobey Maguire are among the famous parents who have contributed to a new book promoting a healthy home life for children.

WITH estimated liabilities of about €80 million, solicitor Michael Lynn is to be cross-examined by lawyers for the Law Society over two days in the High Court about his dealings in relation to six properties. The hearing was fixed yesterday to open on December 12.

PART-TIME firefighters who break the speed limit while driving to an emergency are not exempt from penalty points.

PART-time firefighters are voting overwhelmingly for a national strike.