TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has said a review into mental health care for young people in Co Kerry has revealed “absolutely unacceptable” medical practices. 

The long-awaited review into North Kerry child and adolescent mental health service (Camhs) will be published this afternoon. 

Families of the young people involved were sent a copy of the review this morning. 

Raising the issue during Leaders’ Questions today, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described the matter as a “scandal” and asked the Taoiseach what supports will be given to the children and young people affected. 

It is understood that the review, which was ordered after the 2022 Maskey report, identified a high rate of prescribing anti-psychotic medicines and no evidence of any standard operating procedures among the 374 cases examined.

McDonald noted that the 2022 report, which revealed serious deficiencies in care for children and young people, provoked shock and public anger. 

“These negligent prescribing practices had devastating consequences, which included psychological distress, cognitive impairment, considerable weight gain, excess sedation and high blood pressure.

“Taoiseach, I have met and spoken with some of the young people and families in Kerry, and they have told me of the devastation this caused to their lives,” the Sinn Féin leader said.

She added:

“These young people were in crisis. They reached out for help, and they were failed.” 

In response, the Taoiseach said: “I mean, the first principle of medicine is ‘do no harm’. Harm has been done here in terms of the treatment of quite a number of young people in North Kerry.”

He said the first priority of the Government will be to continue to support impacted families, with Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler travelling to Kerry tomorrow and Friday to meet with those affected. 

He added that no concerns relating to prescribing practice in services have been identified outside of Co Kerry.

The Taoiseach admitted the review took longer than anticipated and said there will now be a need for an “extended look back in terms of absolute certainty for all cases”.

He added that there will be a referral to the Medical Council in respect of what has transpired in Kerry.