Press Release: Thursday 26 March 2026
Statement by Minister for Mental Health on North Kerry CAMHS Compensation and Further File Review
Following the publication of the North Kerry Lookback Report last month, Minister Butler has today approved a scheme to provide compensation to children and young people who were identified as having suffered harm in the Review.
Minister Butler said:
“I am pleased to confirm I have approved the extension of the existing non-adversarial scheme to provide for young people and families impacted by deficits in care in North Kerry.
“The scheme for young people and families in South Kerry arising from the Maskey Report has worked well, and families have told me they appreciated the non-adversarial approach.”
At the time of publication of the Lookback Report, Minister Butler confirmed there would be a further review of files which would be clinically determined.
“I welcome the further file review to be undertaken by HSE South West, and I am grateful to the team of professionals who have agreed to continue to support the process.
“The further review will clinically prioritise files where the potential for harm is deemed greatest in line with the findings of the North Kerry Lookback Review Report.
“This includes files of children in North Kerry with a diagnosis of mental health and intellectual disability, where children were prescribed neuroleptic (antipsychotic) medication, where children were receiving high dose psychotropic medication, and files where there is evidence of polypharmacy.
“Importantly, in extending the existing compensation scheme, I have also ensured that it covers any young people who may become eligible as the HSE undertakes its further file review. I wanted to guarantee that if a young person is identified as having suffered harm through the review of their file, they can apply to the scheme immediately.”
“I will visit Kerry again in the coming weeks to meet with more families who have been in contact with me since the Report was published last month.”
HSE South West continues to communicate and liaise with families locally and provide support through a Clinical Liaison Support Team. Families can contact the HSE locally on the Kerry CAMHS Lookback Review information line 1800 700 700 for more information.