Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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413. To ask the Minister for Health why dialectical behaviour therapy is not available to adult service users in County Donegal; why no mechanism is in place to allow for patients to be referred for this therapy to mental health services operating outside of the county; his efforts to recruit additional psychologists and to establish a dedicated local service for adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6546/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a treatment developed for people with self-harm behaviours and suicidal thoughts or urges. It is a combination of cognitive-based therapy enhanced with the addition of mindfulness practice and acceptance-based philosophy and practice. Following the success of an initial pilot DBT program in Cork, the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) in consultation with the North Lee Adult Mental Health Team, explored how best to coordinate DBT training in Ireland, whilst ensuring effective governance and targeting of resources. To this end, the National DBT Project Office was established in June 2013 and its responsibilities include supporting the administration of a national roll out of DBT and allied intervention programmes.

In relation to the specific issues raised, as these are service issues this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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414. To ask the Minister for Health why a person (details supplied) in County Donegal is unable to access the mental health psychology service dialectical behaviour therapy; if he will allow for this person to have access to this therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6547/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a treatment developed for people with self-harm behaviours and suicidal thoughts or urges. It is a combination of cognitive-based therapy enhanced with the addition of mindfulness practice and acceptance-based philosophy and practice. Following the success of an initial pilot DBT program in Cork, the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) in consultation with the North Lee Adult Mental Health Team, explored how best to coordinate DBT training in Ireland, whilst ensuring effective governance and targeting of resources. To this end, the National DBT Project Office was established in June 2013 and its responsibilities include supporting the administration of a national roll out of DBT and allied intervention programmes.

In relation to the specific issues raised, as these are service issues this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.