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. A service review date of December 2021 – exactly a year on from the date of the letter – was the seasonal kicker. There is little comfort to be taken from that appraisal, and according to Ms Ní Riain: "I think it is quite clear [a further wait is likely], there is no doubt about that," she said. "I think it is kind of putting a sticking plaster on the problem, throwing money at it is not going to fix the problem," Ms Ní Riain said.

Source: Irish Examiner January 07, 2021 06:30 UTC