Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

200. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the extent to which she and bodies under the aegis of her Department are adequately placed and financed to address issues of self-harm in children; the most commonly identified causes that have been established; the extent to which she can address these issues in the short and medium terms; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7392/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Where Tusla Child Protection and Welfare Services become aware that a child is self-harming they will refer the child to their local Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). As the Deputy is aware CAMHS is a HSE provided service, and comes within the remit of my colleague the Minister for Health.

Children can self- harm for a range of reasons and CAMHS are best placed to provide a response to this query. Where the underlying cause is associated with abuse or neglect Tusla will work with CAMHS and the child and family to try and resolve these problems.

The Deputy may also wish to raise this important issue with the Minister for Health for a direct response with respect to the role of mental health services.