Healthcare

An epidemiologist who played a role in the introduction of the smoking ban has been appointed to lead a review of access to cannabis for medical use. Professor Shane Allwright is retired from Trinity College Dublin, where was professor in epidemiology in the Department of Public Health and Primary C

A compensation scheme has been extended to cover children and young people identified as having suffered harm in a review into mental health services in North Kerry. An external lookback review into the standards of care provided by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in North Ker

An expert working group has recommended a total ban on commercial sunbed use in Ireland. In a 70-page report published today, members of the working group advocated for a ban as the most effective, evidence-based approach to reduce the harmful effects of sunbeds, particularly among children and youn

The High Court has refused to extend time for the widow of a deceased man to bring defamation proceedings against parties including the HSE, the Mater Hospital and two medical professionals. Delivering judgment for the High Court, Ms Justice Siobhán Phelan explained that “the Deceased w

Northern Ireland barrister James Stitt examines the detail of a significant UK Supreme Court ruling on "lost years" compensation for seriously injured young children. The United Kingdom Supreme Court recently delivered judgement in CCC v Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust [2026]

The High Court has authorised the HSE to provide as a “last resort” blood transfusions and other treatments to a pregnant minor against the wishes of the minor and her parents, who are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Delivering judgment for the High Court, Mr Justice Mark Heslin explained tha

Remy Farrell SC is to facilitate a scoping exercise taking place ahead of a statutory public inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services. The scoping exercise, beginning today and running for 16 weeks, will inform the terms of reference and potential structure of the planned inquiry.

Lorcan Staines SC has been appointed to facilitate a scoping exercise ahead of a public inquiry into the abuse carried out by former surgeon Michael Shine. To date, more than 390 men have made allegations of abuse against the now disgraced doctor, who has served a prison sentence for sexually abusin

The High Court has refused to find that an out of hours GP service was negligent in failing to diagnose appendicitis in an 11-year-old child. Delivering judgment for the High Court, Ms Justice Leonie Reynolds was satisfied that Dr Rachel Finnegan acted with the standard of care expected of her and t

Significant changes to EU digital health regulation lie ahead this year, Mason Hayes & Curran has highlighted. The business law firm this week published its digital health annual review, which examines legal developments from 2025 that will continue to reshape compliance obligations through 2026

The High Court has confirmed the decision of the Medical Council to cancel the registration of a doctor who attempted to poison his mother’s partner whilst in disguise as a community nurse. Delivering judgment for the High Court in December, Mr Justice David Barniville opined that in the &ldqu

William Fry lawyers Mary Cooney, Margaret Muldowney and Barry Murphy examine legislative plans to regulate home support providers. On 9 December 2025, the Cabinet approved the publication of the Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025. Subsequently, on 16 December 2025, the bill was in

Home support providers are to be regulated for the first time under new legislative plans. Ministers yesterday agreed to publish the Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025, which proposes significant amendments to the Health Act 2007.

Campaigners for a public inquiry into the abuse carried out by former surgeon Michael Shine have welcomed a government decision to establish a scoping exercise. To date, more than 390 men have made allegations of abuse against the now disgraced doctor, who has served a prison sentence for sexually a

A statutory public inquiry into spina bifida and complex scoliosis services is to be established. A facilitator will now be appointed to consult with stakeholders on scoping the content of potential terms of reference for an inquiry.