HSE acted ‘vindictively’ over autism case

Harry McGee, Political Editor

Labour Party leader Pat Rabbitte told the Dáil yesterday that since the Court decision on March 5, no official from the HSE in the North East has contacted the O’Halloran family from Kells.

Speaking during Leaders Questions, Mr Rabbitte contended that the family had become victims of an act of “abusive vindictiveness” by the HSE. He claimed that the

O’Hallorans were “not alone in being treated like this by the HSE.”

He called for an investigation into the HSE handling of the incident.

While saying he would ask why the case had not been followed up, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern defended the HSE and the basis of the decision to take the children into custody.

Amid interruption by TDs on the opposition benches, the Taoiseach outlined some elements of the background, and defended the decisions taken by HSE officials.

“The staff had consulted at some length and had to take into account the threats that were made on the lives of the children, which were something they could not ignore,” he said.

Mr Ahern said that a case manager had been appointed to look into the family’s circumstances in early 2005.

“However, as a result of verbal abuse received by telephone from Ms O’Hara, the case manager resigned. Following his resignation, Ms O’Hara visited his house and was asked to leave by the case manager’s spouse. However, Ms O’Hara

returned and this violation of privacy has had a further distressing impact on the staff member whose family and home have now been inappropriately involved in the service issue,” he said.

Mr Ahern’s argument was challenged by Mr Rabbitte, who said that the Court had decided differently.