Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
1033. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Health if she will give a public apology for the manner in which professionals and the health system here let down children/young adults who were under CAMHS in County Kerry (details supplied). [5308/26]
View answerThe Maskey Report, published in 2022, examined deficits in relation to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in South Kerry. The review identified that 240 young people did not receive the standard of care they should have from CAMHS. The HSE issued an apology and offered meetings to all affected in South Kerry. The Government also introduced a non-adversarial route for children and their families to seek compensation for the shortfall in care received.
Both I, and the Department of Health, now await submission by the HSE of the Final Report by Dr. Halpin in relation to the North Kerry Lookback Review. I am closely monitoring developments in relation to CAMHS in North Kerry, including the timeline for the completion of the Lookback Review and any evolving issues in relation to the Compensation Scheme. The HSE has indicated that the Review will be made available as soon as possible, acknowledging that necessary due diligence and related processes must be adhered to in the finalisation of the Review.
All case reviews are now complete, with families informed of outcomes. Where deficits were identified, the HSE held open disclosure meetings and continues to provide support through the Clinical Liaison Support Team. My main concern throughout this process has been to ensure that children, young people and their families are communicated with directly in advance of the publication of the Lookback Review. The timing of the submission of the final report to the Department is not a matter for myself or the Department. However, all stakeholders are aware that I am keen to receive the report as soon as possible.
Both I and the Department will, in conjunction with the HSE and any other agencies as appropriate, review the final report and will use its findings to inform next steps.
I will continue to work closely with the HSE Child and Youth Mental Health National Office to drive reform of CAMHS nationally to ensure that this key specialist service which benefits so many young people and their families each year is safe, accessible, child-centered, and delivered to the highest of standards.
