Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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20. To ask the Minister for Health to outline the supports available to teenagers at risk of self-harm and suicide-related ideation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25703/24]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Deputy for raising this important and difficult topic – self-harm and suicide related ideation are complex issues, there is never any one reason why a teenager might experience them. The behaviour we refer to as self-harm is often considered to be a way of ‘managing’ difficult feelings, painful memories, or overwhelming experiences. It is a risk factor for suicide related ideation. The key message for teenagers experiencing these issues is that supports are available, and recovery is possible.

Family GPs are the key contact for accessing support, there are many services they refer people on to such as CAMHS and treatments such as talk therapies. As part of the National Clinical Programme on Self-Harm and Suicide, GPs are supported by Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurses (SCAN) to urgently assess people experiencing a suicidal crisis and identify the supports they need. As part of the €10m additional funding I secured this year 4 further SCAN nurses will be recruited, to work with children and teenagers.

Crisis supports include the Samaritans and the 24-hour crisis text service 50808. Spunout.ie have resources online for young people on accessing support, and they can also engage with Pieta services if they are self-harming or in a suicidal crisis. If a person is at immediate risk of harm, they should present to their local Emergency Department.