Self-harming teenager seeks to return to Ireland

A Irishwoman with a history of self-harm who has spent 19 months in a specialist facility in England has appealed to be allowed to return to Ireland in line with a High Court order made in March.

However, the HSE asked Mr Justice Seamus Noonan to vary aspects of the March order of Ms Justice Bronagh O’Hanlon directing the return of the 18-year-old. It argues her health condition has deteriorated, her safety is a priority, she is a suicide risk, and there is no suitable facility here to treat adolescents with psychiatric difficulties.

The woman denies her condition deteriorated, says that recent self-harming episodes were “superficial” and due to frustration at not being permitted return home, and any suicide risk would be reduced by returning.