What went wrong at North Kerry CAMHS?
The North Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) came under scrutiny following a 2022 random audit of 50 clinical files.
The audit identified potential concerns in the care of 16 children.
A further connection was noted: a junior doctor who had already been subject to the Maskey Report investigation in South Kerry CAMHS had also worked in North Kerry.
The HSE commissioned a Lookback Review of all 374 clinical files of children active on the North Kerry CAMHS database as of 21 November 2022.
The review was conducted by Dr Colette Halpin, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist.
The Halpin Report was published in February 2026, and its findings were described by Minister Butler as “very, very clear, these children were failed.”
Key findings of the Halpin Report
- 79% of patients were prescribed psychotropic medication, almost double the national average of 39%
- 60% were given sleep medication, compared to a national average of 24%
- 94% of children with an intellectual disability were prescribed psychotropic medication; 80% were also given antipsychotics, described as “inconsistent with standard practice”
- Polypharmacy (two or more psychotropic medications simultaneously) was identified as a “concerning feature”
- Some children received up to seven psychotropic medications at the same time.
- One child was prescribed Risperidone (an antipsychotic) for 93 months; national guidelines recommend use for up to six weeks only.
- Sodium Valproate was prescribed in 42% of cases to manage behaviour and sleep. It is not licensed for these purposes in children and is not used in CAMHS nationally.
- Inadequate physical health monitoring, particularly cardiovascular monitoring, was identified as the most common source of potential harm.
- No standard operating procedures were in place.
- Limited access to talking therapies, with long waiting times
Of the 374 files reviewed, 209 cases (just under 56%) were identified as involving potential harm.
HSE CEO Bernard Gloster issued an unreserved apology: “I am truly sorry for the harm caused, and we will continue to work to improve, reform and invest in mental health services for young people in Kerry.”
Compensation Scheme for North Kerry CAMHS
The compensation scheme for North Kerry CAMHS is modelled on the South Kerry CAMHS scheme that followed the Maskey Report.
Under that scheme, over 230 applications were received, and of the cases that proceeded to mediation, 89% concluded in a settlement.
The North Kerry scheme operates on the same non-adversarial basis, with the HSE admitting full liability for cases identified in the review.
Key features of the scheme
- Non-adversarial, no need for High Court litigation
- The HSE admits full liability for cases identified in the review.
- Compensation awards are aligned with what a court would award, but delivered more quickly and without the stress of litigation.
- An independent consultant psychiatrist from an approved panel prepares a clinical report; the HSE does not dispute those reports.
- All legal costs and outlays are met by the State all compensation goes directly to the patient or family.
- Applicants who are dissatisfied with an outcome can seek an independent review.
- The scheme is administered by the State Claims Agency on behalf of the HSE.
- Extended to cover any young people later identified as having suffered harm through the further file review
Who is eligible?
The following individuals are eligible to apply to the compensation scheme for North Kerry CAMHS:
- The 209 young people identified in the Halpin Report as having been exposed to potential harm, who were active on the North Kerry CAMHS database in the period from 29 June 2014 to 21 November 2022
- Young people subsequently identified as having suffered harm through the further file review commissioned by the HSE South West (which covers all cases up to 21 November 2022)
- Families and parents of affected young people, where relevant losses are established
Minister Butler confirmed that she wanted to ensure any young person identified as having suffered harm through the review of their file would be able to apply to the scheme immediately.
Note: receiving an apology from the HSE does not automatically confer eligibility for compensation. Keith Rolls has called for clarity from the Minister and the HSE on this point, which was raised on RTÉ Drivetime. Families who have received apologies are advised to seek legal advice to clarify their position.
How to make a claim
If you or your child was treated by North Kerry CAMHS and you believe you may be eligible under the compensation scheme for North Kerry CAMHS, the following steps outline the process:
- Step 1: Contact a solicitor with experience in medical negligence and CAMHS-related claims. Coleman Legal LLP currently represents hundreds of families in this scheme.
- Step 2: Your solicitor will write to the HSE confirming your wish to enter the scheme.
Your solicitor will take up all of your medical records and discuss the process with you.
Families whose files have been identified in the initial review will receive a letter from the HSE inviting them to apply, along with a Frequently Asked Questions booklet.
A helpline is also available: Kerry CAMHS Lookback Review Information Line: 1800 700 700 or 01 240 87 87 (Monday to Saturday)
There is no publicly specified deadline for applications as of 26 March 2026.
However, families are strongly advised to seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity.
The further file review
Alongside the compensation scheme, HSE South West has commissioned a comprehensive further clinical file review that extends beyond the original Lookback Review.
Key features of the further review
- Covers all cases open to North Kerry CAMHS up to 21 November 2022, extending the scope beyond the 374 files initially examined
- Priority will be given to files where clinical risk of harm is highest: children with mental health and intellectual disability diagnoses; those prescribed neuroleptic (antipsychotic) medication; those on high-dose psychotropic medication; and cases involving polypharmacy (five or more medications concurrently)
- A Serious Incident Management Team, including patient representation, will oversee the review.
- Families whose files are prioritised will be contacted directly; others may request a review if they have concerns.
- Any young person later identified as having suffered harm may apply to the compensation scheme immediately.
Keith Rolls has called for full clarity and transparency from the HSE on the scope and timeline of the further review.
Specifically, he has called on the HSE to confirm: how many files in total will be reviewed; how many are included in the priority review; when the priority review will be completed; and when the remaining files will be reviewed.
He has also called on the HSE to urgently write to all affected families, setting out when their case is likely to be reviewed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the compensation scheme for North Kerry CAMHS?
The compensation scheme for North Kerry CAMHS is a non-adversarial State compensation scheme approved by the Minister of State for Mental Health on 26 March 2026. It is administered by the State Claims Agency on behalf of the HSE and is open to the 209 young people identified in the Halpin Report as having been exposed to potential harm while under the care of North Kerry CAMHS between 2014 and 2022. It mirrors the South Kerry CAMHS scheme established following the Maskey Report.
Who is eligible to apply?
Young people who were active on the North Kerry CAMHS database during the period from 29 June 2014 to 21 November 2022 and who have been identified in the Lookback Review as having been exposed to potential harm are eligible. The scheme has also been extended to cover individuals later identified as having suffered harm through the further file review commissioned by the HSE South West. Families and parents may also be eligible if they can establish relevant losses.
Do I have to go to court to make a claim?
No. The scheme is specifically designed as a non-adversarial process, meaning there is no requirement for High Court litigation. The HSE has admitted full liability for cases identified in the review. An independent consultant psychiatrist prepares a clinical report, and a mediation process is used to determine the level of compensation. This approach is intended to be faster and less stressful than court proceedings.
How much compensation could I receive?
Specific figures cannot be confirmed in advance, as awards are determined on an individual basis through independent assessment and mediation.
Who pays my legal costs?
All legal costs and outlays are met by the State as part of the scheme. Any compensation awarded goes entirely to the patient or family. This is a key feature of the non-adversarial scheme, in line with the approach taken in the South Kerry CAMHS scheme.
I received an apology from the HSE. Am I automatically eligible for compensation?
Not automatically. Receiving an apology from the HSE does not, in itself, confer eligibility for compensation under the scheme. Keith Rolls has raised this issue publicly, calling for clarity from the Minister and the HSE on the position of families who have received apologies. If you have received an apology, you should seek legal advice promptly to clarify your eligibility and options.
Is there a deadline for making a claim?
No formal deadline for applications has been specified as of 26 March 2026. However, general limitation periods under Irish law apply to personal injury claims, and families are strongly advised to seek legal advice as early as possible. Delay can affect your ability to pursue a claim.
What is the helpline number for North Kerry CAMHS families?
The Kerry CAMHS Lookback Review Information Line can be reached at 1800 700 700 (lo-call) or 01 240 87 87. The line operates Monday to Saturday. Families who receive a letter from the HSE will also receive a Frequently Asked Questions booklet and helpline details.
What if my child was treated before 2014 or after 2022?
The initial compensation scheme covers the period from 29 June 2014 to 21 November 2022, the period during which the HSE had governance of the North Kerry CAMHS service. The further file review also covers all cases open to the service up to 21 November 2022. If your child was treated outside this period and you have concerns, you should seek legal advice to explore what options may be available to you.
How can Coleman Legal LLP help my family?
Keith Rolls and the Coleman Legal LLP team have been representing families affected by North Kerry CAMHS since concerns were first identified. The team currently acts for a significant number of families in this area. If you believe your child may have been harmed, contact our team to discuss your circumstances. We will advise you on your eligibility, the claims process, and next steps, ensuring you have the information you need to make an informed decision.
