‘Mental health reform needs to happen’ — Andrew McGinley on third anniversary of children's deaths

"Family inclusion, especially in the cases of children and protecting the children, has to change": that's according to Andrew McGinley.

He made the call on the third anniversary of the deaths of his children, Conor, Darragh and Carla McGinley in Newcastle, County Dublin, who were murdered by their mother, Deirdre Morley.

Deirdre was found not guilty of their murders by reason of insanity, and last month, formally applied to be released under a community release scheme.

Last week, it was reported that Mr McGinley is suing the Health Service Executive, St Patrick's Hospital in Dublin and a consultant psychiatrist over the care of his wife.

Now, he has said that he wants family members to be more involved in their loved one's mental health care, and voiced his disapproval over delays in changing the policies.

Mr McGinley elaborated:  "Since the year 2000, nearly 60 children have died at the hands of a parent whilst that parent was being treated for their mental health.

"Sixty children. That is two classrooms full of children. Sometime I think, is there not enough people dying?"

He continued: "If I knew what other people knew back in 2019 then Conor, Darragh and Carla would be alive today; it is as simple as that.

"Family inclusion, especially in the cases of children and protecting the children, has to change."

Mr McGinley further said that he is of the belief that confidentiality should have been breached in the case of his family.

"Currently, within the legislation, it is the opinion of the clinician whether they breach confidentiality or not," he explained: "I believe that that should be tightened up and it should be black and white as to when confidentiality is breached and when it isn't breached."

If you have been affected by this article, you can find resources to help you by calling Samaritans Ireland on 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.ie.

In addition, you can visit pieta.ie or call Pieta on 1800 247 247.