Kerry CAMHS Review Widens, Uber Restrictions Debated, and Other Irish News Headlines

Thursday’s front pages are dominated by an expanding review into the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in Kerry, alongside discussions on taxi market regulations and other significant news events across Ireland.

CAMHS Review Extended Amidst Concerns

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is extending its review of children’s mental health care in North Kerry to include cases dating back before 2022, as reported by BreakingNews.ie. This move comes in response to urgent calls for the review to be broadened to encompass all of Kerry and potentially extend as far back as 2010.

Concerns center around the prescription of medication versus the provision of talking therapies, with reports indicating children were twice as likely to be prescribed medication than to receive therapeutic interventions. The Irish Times highlights this disparity, raising questions about the balance of care provided.

A father whose sons were reportedly “over medicated” under the care of CAMHS in North Kerry has expressed skepticism that the review will lead to meaningful change, citing “systematic short-comings” in the care provided. The Independent reports on the family’s frustration and lack of confidence in the process.

Recent legislation, including the forthcoming Mental Health Bill, aims to regulate CAMHS through the Mental Health Commission for the first time. However, Minister of State Mary Butler has expressed continued concern about waiting lists within the sector, despite additional funding of €30 million over the past two years. The Irish Times details efforts to ensure no child waits more than 12 months to be seen by CAMHS by March.

A report published in January 2022 revealed that hundreds of children received “risky” treatment from a doctor in South Kerry CAMHS. The Irish Times covered the initial findings, which were described as “shocking, very serious and unacceptable” by the Taoiseach.

Taxi Market Regulation Under Review

The competition authority is recommending the removal of barriers to allow Uber and Bolt to fully enter the Irish taxi market, according to The Irish Independent. This potential shift in regulation could significantly impact the transportation landscape in Ireland.

Other News Highlights

• Manslaughter Plea: Aaron Wolfe has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Florence (Florrie) O’Sullivan in Co Cork, as reported by The Echo.
• Domestic Incidents: Boston police responded to two ‘domestic incidents’ involving ICE detainee Séamus Culleton and his ex-wife during their four-year marriage, The Irish Daily Mail reveals.
• Missing Person Case: The family of Esra Uyrun, who disappeared almost 15 years ago, express their continued anguish, as covered by The Irish Daily Mirror.
• U2’s New Release: U2 has released a new song featuring collaborations with Ed Sheeran and a Ukrainian musician-turned-soldier, according to The Irish Daily Star.