Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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2123. To ask the Minister for Health to publish as a matter of extreme urgency the findings of the draft lookback review into North Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service that was originally due to be published in March 2024; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19437/25]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, following the publication of the Maskey Report in 2022, a random file audit of open cases was conducted in North Kerry in order to provide assurances around CAMHS care in North Kerry.

The result of this audit indicated that a comprehensive Lookback Review was required. The HSE took immediate action on the results of the file audit by setting up this Lookback Review, to first look at the files of young people currently under the care of North Kerry CAMHS. A senior clinician, Dr. Colette Halpin supported by a team of CAMHS Consultants, was appointed to lead this review, which commenced on 19 June 2023.

It was hoped that this review would be completed in a short time period. However, when Dr. Halpin and her team commenced preparing for the review, they realised that it would take longer to undertake a robust review of all cases.

The HSE priority has always been that the files of every young person would get a thorough and consistent review. All file reviews have now been completed, and all individuals and families have been communicated with directly in relation to the outcome of their file review.

During the review, any young person whose file showed deficits in the care provided to them, was called for an individual Open Disclosure meeting, during which the HSE outlined the review findings and sincerely apologised to both the young person and their family. Ongoing support is subsequently being provided to these young people and families by the HSE Clinical Liaison Support Team.

Dr. Halpin is currently drafting her report based on the findings of all cases reviewed. Once the HSE receive this draft, there will be additional work before completion and publication. However, the HSE will expedite this as much as possible.