HSE ‘has failed people in its care’

The HSE’s most senior official has said “only a complete fool” would believe the serious abuse claims against a Waterford foster family are not being repeated elsewhere after revealing he expects multiple law suits over the case.

Director general Tony O’Brien was speaking during an emergency Dáil Public Accounts Committee meeting in which he confirmed managers involved in what happened now hold senior child services roles.

Speaking to the cross-party group in response to the Government’s decision to set up a commission of inquiry into the disturbing allegations detailed by the Irish Examiner, Mr O Brien said the HSE has failed people in its care.