Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 March 2014
190. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which incidents of self-harm among children and or teenagers continue to be reported and monitored by his Department, whether at risk families in this regard are specifically identified for supportive action; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14658/14]
View answerThe National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF), which is funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) operates the National Registry of Deliberate Self Harm. This is a national system which monitors the occurrence of deliberate self-harm presenting to hospital Emergency Departments. The NSRF compiles and publishes data on the incidence of deliberate self harm on an annual basis. Emergency Departments have the expertise in deliberate self-harm, crisis intervention nurses and/or liaison psychiatry services to support anyone who attends after an episode of self-harm.
Government policy on deliberate self-harm and suicide prevention is guided by our national strategy Reach Out which makes a number of recommendations in relation to fast track referrals to community-based mental health services, effective response to deliberate self-harm, training, reducing stigma and promoting positive mental health, initiatives aimed at helping young men and research. The HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) has primary responsibility for the implementation of Reach Out.
Action Area 12 in Reach Out aims to "Develop and resource an effective response in the health services or people who present to services having engaged in deliberate self harm and design ways to reach out to those who self harm but are reluctant to access traditional services and supports". In this regard, the NOSP fund a range of services including Pieta House; two on-line providers - SpunOut and Inspire Ireland, to provide direct information to parents, teachers and young people on self harm; a self harm liaison nurse post in Temple Street Hospital; training for community gatekeepers and front-line services responding to self harm from young people. In 2012 the NOSP also published an information leaflet for parents on dealing with and responding to self harm.
I would like to assure the Deputy that dealing with the current high levels of suicide and deliberate self harm is a priority for this Government.
