Coleman Legal LLP has been at the forefront of representing children, young people and their families affected by the serious failures identified within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Kerry.
Following both the South Kerry CAMHS review conducted by Dr Seán Maskey and the subsequent North Kerry CAMHS Look Back Review led by Dr Colette Halpin, the firm has acted for a substantial number of families seeking accountability, redress and appropriate compensation for the deficits in care identified by the independent reviews.
South Kerry CAMHS and the Maskey Report
The publication of the Maskey Review in January 2022 marked one of the most significant healthcare scandals in recent Irish history.
The review examined the treatment provided to children and young people attending South Kerry CAMHS between July 2016 and April 2021 and found serious concerns regarding diagnosis, prescribing practices and clinical monitoring.
The review identified that the care provided to approximately 240 young people fell below the required standard and found that 46 children suffered significant harm.
Following publication of the review, the Government established a non-adversarial compensation and redress scheme designed to provide affected families with a route to obtain compensation without the need for lengthy and stressful court proceedings.
The scheme was administered through the State Claims Agency and was intended to deliver compensation broadly in line with what might otherwise be recoverable through litigation.
Coleman Legal LLP has represented a significant number of families affected by the findings of the Maskey Report.
The firm’s involvement has included advising families on eligibility under the compensation scheme, preparing applications, engaging in mediation processes and ensuring that clients received appropriate compensation for the harm suffered.
The scheme has seen a very high level of engagement by affected families. As of mid-2025, approximately 230 applications had been made to the scheme, with a substantial number of mediations resulting in successful settlements.
Government statements have noted that the overwhelming majority of affected families have chosen to pursue compensation through this process and that many claims have now been resolved.
For many families represented by Coleman Legal LLP, the scheme has provided an opportunity to achieve closure, secure compensation and avoid the emotional burden of contested court proceedings, while still obtaining recognition of the failings identified by the independent review.
North Kerry CAMHS and the Halpin look back review
Coleman Legal LLP has also been heavily involved in representing families affected by concerns arising within North Kerry CAMHS.
Following issues identified in South Kerry, an extensive independent review was commissioned in North Kerry under the leadership of Dr Colette Halpin.
The final review, published in February 2026, examined 374 patient files and found a potential risk of harm in 209 cases, representing more than half of all files reviewed.
The report identified concerns including high rates of psychotropic prescribing, failures in physical health monitoring and limited access to appropriate therapeutic interventions.
The review concluded that 195 cases involved a risk of moderate harm, two cases involved potential major harm, and 12 cases involved potential minor harm. Importantly, the findings demonstrated systemic deficits that were inconsistent with national CAMHS standards.
Since the publication of the Halpin Review, Coleman Legal LLP has received instructions from over 100 affected families and has been actively advising clients regarding their rights, the review findings and available avenues for compensation.
Recognising the scale of the issues identified, the Government approved the extension of the existing Kerry CAMHS compensation scheme to North Kerry families.
The scheme provides a non-adversarial mechanism through which affected young people and their families may seek compensation arising from deficits in care identified by the review.
A large volume of enquiries and applications have already been generated following the publication of the Halpin findings, and Coleman Legal LLP continues to assist families in preparing and advancing their claims.
The firm’s work includes guiding families through the compensation process, advising on the evidence required and ensuring clients receive appropriate representation during mediation and settlement negotiations.
Commitment to affected families
The Kerry CAMHS reviews exposed serious deficiencies in mental health services provided to vulnerable children and young people.
Coleman Legal LLP has been privileged to support many of those affected and remains committed to assisting families in both South Kerry and North Kerry as they seek accountability, recognition and fair compensation.
While a significant proportion of South Kerry claims have now been successfully resolved through the compensation scheme established following the Maskey Review, the work in relation to North Kerry is continuing, with substantial numbers of applications now being progressed following the publication of the Halpin Look Back Review and the extension of the redress scheme to affected families.
Through its ongoing involvement in these matters, Coleman Legal LLP remains committed to ensuring that the voices of affected children and families are heard and that appropriate redress is secured for those whose care fell below acceptable standards.
Partner Keith Rolls and his dedicated team continue to represent those affected and to achieve both recognition and compensation for them and their families.
The firm has also engaged with HSE on behalf of CAMHS patients who were part of the both the Maskey & North Kerry review and had not received an apology.
After reviewing our clients records, Coleman Legal put the HSE on notice of identified deficits in care and our clients subsequently received an apology from the HSE.
If you have concerns in relation to the care you or your loved one received and would like your file reviewed, please contact our office and we will advise your of your options.
