High Court Delays Case Over Sensitive Data in CHI Dismissal

The High Court has postponed a case concerning the dismissal of Anita Little, a business manager at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI), to allow for the redaction of sensitive personal data included in the defendant’s application. This decision was made during a session on Wednesday, where Richard Kean SC, representing Ms. Little, informed Mr Justice Brian Cregan of the inclusion of highly sensitive information in the affidavits and exhibits submitted by CHI.

The sensitive information includes an Excel spreadsheet with details such as names, dates of birth, and home addresses of child patients, along with clinical details related to surgical decisions. Lorna Lynch SC, representing CHI, acknowledged that this sensitive data was initially submitted as evidence by Ms. Little during an internal disciplinary procedure. Mr Justice Cregan emphasized that it is the defendant’s duty to ensure that any sensitive information is properly redacted from their affidavits, stating that parents would not want their children’s names disclosed in court.

The court ordered that the redacted affidavits be sent to Mr Kean by the close of business on November 24, 2025, with a replying affidavit from Ms. Little to be presented by the following Friday.

Ms. Little, who manages the waiting list for CHI spinal surgeries with an annual salary of €76,500, claims she was dismissed for serious misconduct after being instructed to suspend the names of ten patients from the waiting list. She was terminated on August 19, 2025, following what she described as a flawed investigation and disciplinary hearing. Among her allegations, Ms. Little contends that she was deprived of her rights to call witnesses, submit exculpatory documents, challenge erroneous findings, and examine witnesses.

On October 28, 2025, the High Court granted interim injunctions to prevent CHI from dismissing her or advertising her position as vacant while the case is under consideration. The outcome of this legal battle could have significant implications for both Ms. Little and the operations at CHI, highlighting the importance of sensitive data management in legal proceedings.