Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
1121. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Health if the clinicians implicated in over-prescribing practices in the North Kerry CAMHS have worked in other services outside of this catchment and whether cases they may have been involved in outside North Kerry will also now be subject to review. [15207/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI initiated the North Kerry Lookback Review following the publication of the Maskey Report in 2022 in relation to CAMHS in South Kerry. The HSE published this latest Lookback Review on 18 February 2026. My priority since I initiated the North Kerry Lookback Review has been the best interests of the children, young people and their families and to have this report published as quickly as possible. Throughout the Lookback process all young people and families have had access to on-going support, including the open disclosure helpline and a Clinical Liaison Support Team.
As I have indicated on several occasions since the publication, I was deeply concerned by the findings of this report. However, I am satisfied that HSE South West has taken the necessary steps to address the deficits in care experienced by children and young people as highlighted in this report and in the Maskey review. Given that there is now increased governance, regular care and prescribing audits, standardised practice and a dedicated workforce, I am assured that the service has been significantly improved and that the necessary safeguards have been put in place to ensure that similar risks do not happen again. I have referred this PQ to the HSE to reply to the Deputy in relation to the detailed operational issues raised.
