Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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653. To ask the Minister for Health if a business plan for the delivery of counselling services to children 0-18 years of age has been received in his Department. [24081/16]

Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The HSE is committed to addressing the mental health needs of those under age 18 by developing services, including counselling services, as outlined in the HSE Mental Health Operational Plan 2016. The Plan provides for improved collaboration between the Mental Health and Primary Care Divisions of the Executive in the areas of Early Intervention and Counselling services aimed at young people, and it was in the context of agreeing the 2016 Plan overall that the latest initiatives on counselling were formulated. The Government will also shortly launch the Task Force on Youth Mental Health, which will focus on promoting positive mental health and resilience among young people.

As the question raised relates to a detailed service issue, in terms of how the Executive is progressing counselling services for young people at regional or local level, it 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.