Tánaiste blasts HSE, saying slow referrals 'put children at risk'

Micheál Martin also defends Disabilities Minister Anne Rabbitte who walked out of a meeting with HSE chiefs last week

Speaking in New York ahead of the UN sustainable development goals summit, Tánaiste Micheál Martin also criticised the HSE for failing to deliver on promised therapists in special schools. Picture: David Young/PA

Seriously ill children are being put at risk as some hospital consultants are "slow" to refer them to the most appropriate healthcare, the Tánaiste has said.

Michéal Martin said he has been forced to intervene in a number of cases to ensure sick children are transferred to Crumlin Hospital and other centres of excellence for treatment.