Press release
Statement by Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler - 19 April 2022
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Health
Published on
Last updated on
On Wednesday 13 April, the government approved a compensation scheme for individuals identified as affected by the Maskey Report. This is in fulfilment of a commitment made when the report was published on 26 January.
Since the government meeting on 13 April the HSE has written to the individuals and their families to inform them of the details of the scheme and they should receive the details early this week.
People identified through the Maskey Report as having suffered some level of harm will be eligible to apply to the scheme. It will be operated by the State Claims Agency. It is designed to provide full compensation in line with a court ruling, but without the stress of court proceedings.
The children and families involved can apply to the scheme via the HSE through their appointed solicitor.
Minister Butler said:
"The Maskey Report was a shocking and disturbing revelation. Children, young people and their families have been affected by the serious failures in the care delivered, and the publication of the report was also very stressful for them. I know this first hand, having met some of the families concerned. This scheme is designed to minimise the stress involved in securing compensation, and I am glad to be in a position as Minister for Mental Health to deliver on this commitment.
"The HSE accepted all the findings in the Report, apologised fully and is wholly committed to the implementation of all 35 of its recommendations as well as the additional actions I requested, such as the audit of prescribing practices. It is important that we deliver on these recommendations to restore confidence and trust in our vital child and adolescent mental health services."
The HSE continues to communicate and liaise with families locally and has put in place a range of supports for them. Affected people can contact the HSE locally on the South Kerry CAMHS Lookback Review information line 1800 742 800 for more information.
The details of the scheme will be available on the HSE's website here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/south-kerry-camhs-review/south-kerry-camhs-review.html