Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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624. To ask the Minister for Health if his Department provides supports or services for families or individuals experiencing parental alienation syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23803/20]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Opinions on the validity of parental alienation are divided in the international community. It is not recognised as a clinical entity by the American Psychiatric Association in its 2013 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders. Nor is it currently recognised by the WHO in its International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. The Department is awaiting a response from the WHO to confirm whether or not parental alienation will be included in its updated classification, due in 2022.

At present, the Department of Health has no specific health-based supports or services for parental alienation. Mental health services can be accessed by anyone in the State, who, following clinical assessment, will be treated on a needs-based basis. I note that the Deputy has separately asked whether there are any supports or services for parental alienation in the HSE, which will be responded to by direct reply from the HSE.

The Department is led by international best practice in this area, and will continue to monitor any developments in this area.