Portlaoise staff ‘face serious charges’

Staff embroiled in the Portlaoise Hospital baby deaths scandal are facing serious charges by their professional regulatory bodies while the HSE is considering taking disciplinary action “against some individuals in management positions”.

Health Minister Leo Varadkar confirmed the moves are taking place during a late night Dáil debate on the crisis, as opposition parties claimed the issue is proof patients are no longer safe in the system.

Speaking during a Fianna Fáil private members motion seeking to ensure all recommendations from the recent Hiqa report are implemented in full, Mr Varadkar said many of the actions are already under way.