Children with life-threatening food allergies 'forgotten', parents tell TDs

"Most of our families have struggled to have their child's allergy recognised and diagnosed. Many encountered uninformed responses from GPs, public health nurses and even emergency departments. Clinical pathways are inconsistent, and access to allergy specialists is extremely limited, leaving families to manage complex medical needs alone and increasing the risk of life-threatening reactions."

"Two auto-adrenaline injectors must be carried at all times. Childminders and creches frequently refuse to take on this responsibility, leaving parents without childcare and forcing many out of the workforce or reducing working hours. Parents must train every adult involved in their child's life to recognise reactions and administer emergency medication."

"Children can wait over a year for a referral and two to three years for an oral food challenge (OFC), preventing early intervention and increasing the risk of further allergies developing. Older children and adults are left with lifelong avoidance and little to no specialist support after 16 years old."

Ireland's food allergy patients face severe healthcare gaps, with approximately 160,000 people affected. Parents report inconsistent clinical pathways, limited specialist access, and uninformed responses from GPs and emergency departments. Children wait over a year for referrals and two to three years for oral food challenges, delaying early intervention. Families manage complex medical needs alone, carrying auto-adrenaline injectors constantly due to anaphylaxis risk. Childcare providers frequently refuse responsibility for allergy management, forcing parents out of the workforce. Older children and adults receive minimal specialist support after age 16. Everyday activities like eating out and holidays require extensive planning and training of caregivers.

Read at Irish Independent