HSE upholds Offaly man's complaint over Texaco art competition poster

The HSE has upheld a complaint made by an Offaly resident about the displaying of a poster advertising the Texaco children's art competition in a child and adolescent mental health services facility in Portlaoise

The poster was displayed in the waiting room in CAMHS Laois (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services), and Rhode's Tom Roche complained that this was "inappropriate" due to the oil company's sponsorship of the competition.

"Eco-anxiety amongst children has become a major concern. The continued use of fossil fuels poses real threats to children's well-being," said Tom.

He said he became aware of the poster at CAMHS Laois in mid-February, and then travelled to Portlaoise to speak to a member of its staff.

"I pointed out the inappropriateness of having such promotional material on display, considering the links between climate and the increase in anxiety in children, and the links to our use of fossil fuels. I made a formal complaint to CAMHS Laois."

A reply he received on behalf of the HSE, dated February 23, upheld the complaint and apologised for the displaying of the poster, saying it had since been taken down.

The reply stated: "I refer to your complaint received by this office on February 20, 2024, regarding display of a poster in the waiting room in CAMHS Laois providing information on an art competition.

"I wish to inform you that I have completed my investigation into your complaint.

"I can confirm that this poster has been removed from the waiting area and will not be reposted. There are no other such posters displayed in any of our CAMHS or YAMHS offices in the Midlands.

"I would like to sincerely apologise on behalf of the HSE," the letter concluded.

Mr Roche said he was thankful to the HSE for "responding positively" to his complaint.