Government cannot wash hands of CAMHS scandal – Clarke

Sinn Féins spokesperson on mental health, Sorca Clarke, TD, has said the findings of the review into North Kerry CAMHS represent a profound state failure and that the government cannot attempt to shift responsibility to local management.

The review identified that 209 children who attended the North Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services were at risk of potential harm. Behind that figure are children whose care fell below acceptable standards and families who are now dealing with the lasting consequences.

Teachta Clarke said: “This cannot and must not be spun as a localised management issue. This is a government failure. A failure to properly staff, resource and oversee CAMHS services. Children were left paying the price and parents were left picking up the pieces.

“For years, warnings have been raised about unsafe staffing levels, over-reliance on individual clinicians, gaps in multidisciplinary teams and weak governance structures. Those warnings were not acted upon with the urgency required.

“Once again, it is vulnerable children who have been failed. No apology and no compensation can undo the trauma and loss of trust experienced by these families.

“Parents placed their trust in the State’s mental health system. That system failed them and it failed their children.

“What has happened in North Kerry is not occurring in a vacuum. Across the State, CAMHS teams are understaffed, waiting lists are unacceptably long, and clinicians are working under immense pressure. When services are stretched to breaking point, governance weakens and risks increase.

“The government cannot continue to ignore the structural problems at the heart of CAMHS. This requires more than reviews and reactive measures, it demands systemic reform.

“It is also deeply concerning that families were left waiting years for this report to be published. This delay has only compounded the distress experienced by parents and children and further undermine public confidence in our mental health services.

“Sinn Féin is calling for immediate implementation of all recommendations arising from the review, a clear plan to ensure every CAMHS team is adequately staffed and resourced, stronger independent clinical oversight and governance structures, and direct, ongoing supports for all families affected.

“Our children are not statistics. They are young people who needed help and did not receive the standard of care they deserved. The Government must accept responsibility and act decisively to ensure this never happens again.”