The report of the investigation into mental healthcare given to children and young people in Kerry has now been published. The young people affected, their distraught parents and their families have waited years for answers. The investigation of these case files of 300 children in north Kerry was, as the Taoiseach knows, originally ordered in the aftermath of the 2022 Maskey report. The distressing findings of that report into the care of vulnerable children by south Kerry CAMHS provoked shock and public anger at the time. That investigation revealed that children in crisis were subjected to harm, that there were serious deficiencies in care, that there was a total lack of oversight and that children were being overprescribed medications. These negligent prescribing practices had devastating consequences, which included psychological distress, cognitive impairment, considerable weight gain, excess sedation and high blood pressure. I have met with and spoken to some of the young people and families in Kerry and they have told me of the devastation this caused to their lives. One heartbroken father told me how he dreamed of his son striding the pitch of Croke Park. He was a fine young footballer, but following the lad's treatment by CAMHS this father has been left wondering if his son will ever be able to watch a match, never mind have a pint or a friend. This father, like so many other parents, is filled with guilt for trusting a system which failed their children.
Today, the full story of what was done to children and young people in the care of north Kerry CAMHS has been brought to light. The findings of this report seem damning. The HSE has already issued apologies to more than half of those whose files were examined. The human price that has been paid was laid bare by one mother who spoke on the radio this morning. Mary from Tralee said the treatment her teenage daughter received from north Kerry CAMHS devastated her life. This child had been diagnosed with depression and PTSD. She had been prescribed antidepressants, anti-anxiety and antipsychotic medication. Shockingly, the HSE has admitted that she was diagnosed without an appropriate assessment, that there was no clear rationale given for the medication prescribed and that there was a complete absence in the monitoring of the impact of these drugs on the child. Mary has said all this destroyed her child and that there was no happiness left for this child. This is just one case of hundreds, just one family of hundreds and just one area. These young people were in crisis. They reached out for help, and they were failed. Teipeadh go tubaisteach ar an gcúram meabhairshláinte do leanaí agus daoine óga i gCiarraí. Ní mór don Rialtas gníomhú chun a chinntiú nach dtarlóidh a leithéid riamh arís. What will the Taoiseach do now to ensure the children and young people affected by this scandal get the proper care they need? Has he established if this scandal is more widespread? What other areas does it affect? How many children, young people and families does it affect? How will he assure families in Kerry and right across the country that this will never happen again?
