Damning report spurs apologies

HSE CHIEF EXECUTIVE PAUL REID:

‘THE report very clearly demonstrates that some of the basic clinical oversights and prescription processes and general management processes were at least lacking and if not, in some cases abandoned. And there’s no doubt this had a very significant impact on many children, which the report sets out, and on many of their families. As CEO, I certainly want to sincerely apologise for what had happened over a sustained period of time in the service in this area.’

TAOISEACH MICHEáL MARTIN:

‘THE first principle of medicine is to do no harm. Children were harmed here by a complete failure of clinical performance and oversight, and the entire management of the service… in my view, it demands a fundamental review not just of south Kerry but of the overall situation pertaining to child and adolescent mental health. It’s not a resources issue. To be frank, the resources are there to a point, but there seems to be, over the years, ongoing difficulties in recruiting senior clinicians in psychiatry for these posts in certain parts of the country, and particularly in CAMHs. HSE has apologised and has communicated with all of the parents involved.’

MICHAEL FITZGERALD, CHIEF OFFICER OF CORK KERRY COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE:

‘AS chief officer of the organisation, I apologise sincerely to the young people and their families for this. I want to reassure the young people and their families that we have taken on board the 35 recommendations in the report.’

DR MAURA YOUNG, EXECUTIVE CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF KERRY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES:

‘WE WILL use the recommendations from Dr Seán Maskey to improve the service and rebuild confidence in the service.’