State faces class action on child homecare

The Government is facing a class action in Brussels over the lack of a national paediatric homecare budget after a “rude” and “gruff” health minister was accused of refusing to engage on the subject with a renowned children’s campaigner.

Jonathan Irwin, founder of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, last night posted on Twitter: “Pointless meeting with Min Reilly last evening. Late rude gruff 12mins incl deafening Divisional bell then left to vote never to be seen again.”

When contacted, Mr Irwin explained that, two weeks ago his wife, Senator Mary Ann O’Brien, put down a motion in the Seanad “to ask why Ireland was almost unique in Europe that there is no national paediatric homecare nursing budget”.