A five year-old's unwanted Christmas present – a three-year delay for treatment

Helen Ní Riain and her son Thormod Mac Fhinn, 5, at home in Balbriggan. Picture: Moya Nolan

As an unwanted Christmas present, it went way beyond the usual garish pair of novelty socks, the ironing board cover, or a wonky picture frame. 

In the run-up to Christmas, the postman delivered to Helen Ní Riain and her family the Service Statement from the HSE regarding interventions for her five-year-old son, Thormod.