About 60% of psychiatrists working in Kerry children’s mental health services only offer remote treatment, the HSE admitted, as families see little change despite a series of critical reports. During a tense sitting of the Oireachtas health committee on Wednesday, examples of children in Kerry, Galway, and elsewhere struggling to access mental health help were shared. The committee heard it has been difficult to recruit full-time psychiatrists for Kerry. Julie O’Neill, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager, Kerry, HSE South West described arrangements they have made instead. Fine Gael senator Mike Kenneally described the latest report on the north Kerry services as “damning” and “very hurtful”.

Source: Irish Examiner March 04, 2026 16:49 UTC