Mr. Gerry Raleigh:

Furthermore, when the numbers of deaths by suicide are small within a geographical area it is necessary to report changes in rates over a three-year rolling average.

On signpost 2, consultation with the Department of Justice and Equality, and the HSE should be undertaken as to whether such a scheme is feasible within current legislation and the remit of the organisations I mentioned.

On signpost 3, the SSIS study was a pilot study funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention. The establishment of any new data-recording systems on suicide mortality should be done as part of the development of a new strategic framework for suicide prevention. Consideration needs to be given to the cost effectiveness of any new data-recording system having regard to the current investment in the national self-harm registry funded by the NOSP and delivered by the NSRF; integration with existing suicide bereavement support services; and the learning from existing national and international data-collection systems for suicide and other public health concerns, for example substance misuse.

On signpost 4, as part of the HSE's new national mental health awareness campaign, which will be launched in 2014, a national mapping exercise of support services that have a relationship with the NOSP and partner organisations will be made available to the community in an effort to provide very simple and clear signposting to services, with an emphasis on services that are accredited.

On signposts 5 and 6, the NOSP recognises the need for the establishment of national standards for agencies working in the area of suicide prevention, which would apply equally to all community groups working at a community and national level. The development of standards will form part of the new national strategic framework. Consideration needs to be given to the accreditation process to support this and the appropriate agency to oversee these standards.

On signpost 7, the NOSP has its own budget of €8.8 million for 2014. The reconfiguration of the NOSP to a new location is a policy decision for Government. It is our view that at present the NOSP should remain within the HSE mental health division, because that is where we can exercise most influence in delivering help to people who seek it. As part of a new strategic framework on suicide prevention, consideration needs to be given to the governance structures both within the HSE and at government level. In addition, any new governance system will need to be integrated and linked to the Cabinet committee on social policy governance structure for the Healthy Ireland framework. In terms of signpost 8, this is a policy decision for Government and the Department of Health.

In 2014, the NOSP has been mandated by the Department of Health to take the lead on the development of a new Government strategic framework for suicide prevention. This is an exciting but challenging task for the organisation. The process for the development of the framework has commenced and the NOSP will commit to using the signposts and the discussion that has commenced today in terms of developing this framework. We see the outcome as one which is action based, reflecting the input of all our partners and will allow us to give very clear direction and confidence to the community that we can reduce the loss of life by suicide. We would also welcome any additional recommendations that the committee may feel are helpful for the new framework.