OBJECTIONS BY the parents of a four-year-old boy to particular treatment for his leukaemia are being advanced on a scientific rather than philosophical basis, the High Court was told yesterday.
Ronan Murphy SC, for the parents, yesterday sought an adjournment of the HSE’s bid for court orders permitting it continue the disputed treatment for their son, who also has Down’s syndrome.
“It is not a matter where there is a philosophical objection – it is a scientific problem,” he said.
The HSE last Friday obtained permission from the president of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, to serve notice on the parents of its intention to seek orders allowing it continue treatment. The judge was told the parents had withdrawn permission to continue what the HSE described as life-saving treatment.
The matter was adjourned until yesterday to allow legal representation be obtained for the parents when Mr Murphy asked for a further adjournment to allow his side consider matters.
Felix McEnroy SC, for the HSE, said while not objecting to an adjournment, the HSE was anxious the case should be heard as soon as possible because there was a very serious risk to the child’s life. Mr Justice Kearns said he was prepared to adjourn the matter to Friday for mention.