Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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2124. To ask the Minister for Health to issue a public apology at the earliest possible date, on behalf of the State, to all individuals and their families who suffered at the hands of CAMHS in County Kerry (details supplied). [19438/25]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Maskey Report published on 26 January 2022 identified that 240 young people did not receive the standard of care which they should have from South Kerry CAMHS. The HSE issued an apology to the young people and their families affected in South Kerry as determined under the Maskey Report. HSE officials and clinicians also offered meetings to all 240 young people who did not receive the care they should have.

Following the publication of the Maskey Report, 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 then currently under the care of North Kerry CAMHS. A senior clinician, Dr. Halpin, who was supported by a team of CAMHS Consultants was appointed to lead this review, which commenced on 19 June 2023.

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.

Upon receipt of the Lookback Review, the Department will, in conjunction with the HSE and any other agencies as appropriate, review the final report and use its findings to inform next steps, including any evolving issues in relation to the existing State Claims Agency Compensation Scheme or the question of further apologies as appropriate to those who have been impacted.