HSE spent €255m fighting negligence cases

The HSE has spent more than €255m on legal fees since 2005 to fight negligence cases in the courts, according to an Independent TD who is calling for an overhaul of how such claims are handled.

Waterford TD John Halligan believes this money should be used to put in place early interventions and supports for children with birth-related injuries.

He says vulnerable families have to go through lengthy litigation processes because of a HSE policy of delaying or withholding of liability.