Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

As I said, I am asking this question on behalf of my party colleague. The results of the reviews that have so far taken place, whether by the HSE or the Mental Health Commission, are clear that serious lapses in standards of care took place, with devastating consequences for children and teenagers in Kerry and their families. At the time of the publication of the south Kerry look-back review, the Taoiseach admitted it was a serious matter, yet we have seen little progress on the urgent restructuring that is needed within mental health services in Kerry. The status of the north Kerry review, which the Minister of State touched on, is also unclear. Of what value is it for families in the context of the wider audit?

I understand Deputy Daly also asked separately how many families had come forward. Any information the Minister of State might have in that regard would be appreciated. In the immediate aftermath of the scandal breaking, families, children and young people were left without any support and with a local service they understood had let them down. The families feel as though the progress made leaves a lot to be desired.

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