Minster for Health offers 'sincere condolances' to Aoife Johnston's family after inquest verdict

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has issued a statement offering his "sincere condolences" to the family of Aoife Johnston following the conclusion of the inquest into the Clare teenager's tragic death.

A verdict of medical misadventure has been recorded in the death of the 16-year-old at Kilmallock Courthouse this Thursday, April 25.

In his statement, the Minister for Health said that he wished to offer "my sincere condolences to Aoife’s parents and sisters who tragically lost their daughter and sister in University Hospital Limerick".

"I met with Aoife’s parents in January and my thoughts are with them after what must have been an immensely difficult week," he added.

In delivering his verdict, Limerick Coroner John McNamara said there were “systemic failures, missed opportunities and breakdowns in communication.”

READ MORE: Aoife Johnston: Verdict of medical misadventure returned at inquest

He said for the family, they have been “living a nightmare, no doubt, since Aoife's death and revisiting everything I'm sure has been extremely difficult.”

“You'll be living with this the rest of your lives,” Mr McNamara added.

Minister Donnelly also thanked Mr McNamara for "all his work this week, but I am aware that nothing will ever make up for the enormous loss the Johnston family has experienced".

The Coroner’s recommendations will be fully considered, he said, along with the work of retired Chief Justice Frank Clarke, "who is due to conclude his independent investigation in the coming weeks".