There are serious concerns among health staff and the community in County Kerry about the disgraceful situation of a 14-year-old boy who has been existing for 56 days in a windowless room off the emergency department in a hospital in the county. The room has no bed. It is not the responsibility of University Hospital Kerry - that is not the place for him. This is a human rights violation because the disability services have not acted. The boy is a former CAMHS patient. I was told by his mother that he had ADHD and moderate autism but was put on antipsychotic medication when he was eight years old. He has received an apology for the deficits in his care but has long-term side effects as a result of this medication. You would think he would be prioritised and fast-tracked to get the help he deserves and needs. Instead, he is in a windowless room off the emergency department. Will the Taoiseach step in to ensure he receives immediate short-term residential treatment close to home, not 300 km away, so his mother can visit him as often as she wishes?

I am very sorry to hear about that case. I read about it in the media. As the Deputy will be aware, the Health Act precludes-----

The Taoiseach may not have heard about it. That might be another case.

Perhaps it is a different case. Either way, I am sorry to hear what that boy and his family have had to experience. The Health Act, for very good reasons, makes it unlawful for me or any Minister to direct the HSE to do anything for any particular patient. That would not be right, for all sorts of reasons. If the Deputy sends me on the details and permissions from the family to take an interest in the case, I will do that.