Mum sues HSE over suicide of Milly (11)

THE mother of an 11-year-old girl who died by suicide is suing the HSE to “expose the flaws” within the Irish healthcare system.

Fiona Tuomey believes that certain failings contributed to her daughter Milly’s death in 2016.

According to reports, the legal proceedings in the High Court are against the HSE, a private psychology clinic and others.

The case was launched on January 3, almost two years to the day since Milly took her life.

The inquest into her death heard that the Dublin schoolgirl had been unhappy with her appearance and referred on Instagram to her intention to die.

In a statement confirming the proceedings, Ms Tuomey’s solicitor Michael Finucane said the family was not focused on seeking damages.

“My clients are not focused on monetary damages but rather in exposing the flaws in the Irish healthcare system that contributed to their daughter Milly’s death,” he said.

“The inquest into Milly’s death was far too restrictive an exercise to achieve this to any meaningful extent.”

Ms Tuomey said she did not want to discuss the matter during legal proceedings.

The HSE expressed its sympathies to Ms Tuomey and her family. “The HSE sympathises greatly with the Tuomey family on the loss of Milly. It is no doubt a very difficult time for the family,” a spokesperson said.

“However, as it seems legal proceedings have been initiated [the HSE would not necessarily be aware of this fact as these matters are handled by the State Claims Agency], it would be inappropriate to comment on any aspect of litigation either in-being or potential.”

The legal action is likely to focus on the resourcing of mental health services for children.