Seeking justice: Mother of suicide victim Milly Tuomey settles lawsuit

Fiona Tuomey, the mother of 11-year-old Milly Tuomey, who died by suicide, has settled the lawsuit she launched following her daughter’s death in 2016. Mrs Tuomey claimed her daughter was failed by her GP, the HSE and several other providers of youth psychiatric care.

Mrs Tuomey expressed that her daughter’s complaints were not listened to and that the purpose of taking proceedings was to underscore the “woefully inadequate” mental health services available for children and adolescents in Ireland. The lawsuit was settled for €65,000.

Following a post on Instagram in November 2015, which revealed Milly’s intention to end her life on a certain date, her family urgently sought psychiatric assistance. The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services initially agreed to meet with Milly on January 30, 2016, but this appointment was moved to January 5 after her mother discovered worrying materials in her daughter’s bedroom.

Tragically, Milly died on January 4, three days after being discovered by her sister in a critical condition in her home. The inquest revealed that Milly’s physical appearance was a source of her unhappiness and she had been enduring thoughts of self-harm. In the High Court, St John of God Community Services apologised to Milly’s family for not providing timely care.

Following the settlement, Mrs Tuomey remarked that the action wasn’t taken despite Milly openly speaking and writing about her struggles. She also criticised the “glacial” pace of development in the mental health sector, stating that since Milly’s death, thousands, including many children, have died by suicide. Judge Paul Coffey, who approved the settlement, described the case as tragic and heartbreaking.