The four autistic children of a Co Meath couple remained in health board care last night after a legal bid to have them returned to their parents was adjourned until Friday.
At a private sitting of Kilcock District Court yesterday, Judge David Anderson asked that the family and health authorities not comment to the media regarding the proceedings.
Pádraig and Mary O'Hara are seeking to have their five children, aged between four and 16 - four of whom are autistic - returned to their care. The Heath Services Executive (Northern Eastern Area) sought to place their children in State care on Friday night. However, following negotiations between the family's solicitor and health authorities, the couple agreed to place their children in respite care on a voluntary basis.
Following a three-hour hearing yesterday, Mr and Mrs O'Hara left the court without commenting. The family's solicitor, Roger Murray, also declined to comment.
The HSE was represented in court by a four-person legal team, including Felix McEnroe SC, along with five officials from the health authority.
A number of disability campaigners gathered outside the court, including Independent MEP Kathy Sinnott who has expressed support for the O'Haras.
Ms Sinnott said she was planning to raise the issue during a European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg later today.
She criticised the health authority's handling of the case and said the treatment of the O'Haras and other parents was unacceptable.