Mental Health Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 November 2013

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

Questions (419, 421, 422, 423)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

419. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if children between the ages of ten and 17 years who have presented at accident and emergency for treatment arising from attempted self-harm, some on more than one occasion, have been further investigated with a view to determination of the underlying cause of their individual situations, the extent to which specific reasons have been identified as the most commonly occurring in such cases over the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48292/13]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

421. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department continues to assess the causes of depression among young persons or teenagers, having particular regard to the number of referrals for hospitalisation or care in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48306/13]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

422. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the number of children between the ages of ten and 17, the majority of whom are girls, who have reported to emergency departments with suspected self-harm in the past number of years; the extent to which provision for early intervention in such circumstances by his Department exists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48307/13]

Bernard Durkan

Question:

423. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department has responsibility for issues where children are at risk arising from tendencies to self-harm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48308/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 419 and 421 to 423, inclusive, together.

As these are service matters these questions have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.