Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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419. To ask the Minister for Health if children between the ages of 10 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 (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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421. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department continues to assess the causes or 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 (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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422. To ask 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 (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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423. To ask 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]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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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.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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420. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department is the appropriate body to address issues of self-harm in children or teenagers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48298/13]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Government policy on deliberate self-harm and suicide prevention is guided by our national strategy Reach Out. Reach Out 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 has primary responsibility for the implementation of Reach Out and the Department of Health oversees its implementation.

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, and this is reflected in the significant investment in suicide prevention and mental health services generally in recent years.