“HSE failed to ensure that thousands of children under six received vital health checks”

Key points

• Ombudsman for Children reports HSE omissions in routine developmental checks for under sixs.
• 2022 prioritisation of resources reportedly reduced access to universal checks.
• Gaps identified in tracking children in temporary accommodation and data on missed checks.
• 40%+? Actually 85.8% of babies received nine-to-11-month assessment in 2025; ~7,700 may have missed it.
• HSE accepts findings and plans a national oversight group to implement recommendations.