Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

The NOSP has an annual budget of €4.5 million. Initiatives funded by the office include developing and implementing national training programmes, developing mental health awareness campaigns, implementing recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services and supporting voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention.

A number of other suicide prevention initiatives are also delivered by the HSE for which funding does not come within the suicide prevention office's budget. These include funding for 11 dedicated resource officers and deliberate self-harm response nurses in accident and emergency departments. It should also be emphasised that a range of services such as general psychiatric services and primary care services are important in helping to prevent suicide. These services play a vital role in the drive to reduce the incidence of suicide and should be taken into account when considering the level of expenditure devoted to suicide prevention. A total of €1 billion is spent on mental health services.

A fundamental aim of Reach Out is to prevent suicidal behaviour, including deliberate self-harm and to increase awareness of the importance of good mental health among the general population. A Vision for Change considers mental health as a resource that needs to be promoted and protected. The report views mental health awareness and promotion as relevant to the whole population, regardless of age, social status or either physical health or mental health status. Thankfully the level of discussion and openness on mental health issues, including deliberate self harm and suicide has also increased significantly in recent years. We do, however, need to ensure that public discussion and media coverage of suicide and deliberate self harm remains measured, well informed and sensitive to the needs and well-being of psychologically vulnerable and distressed individuals in our society. In particular, we need to continue to work as a society to create a culture and environment where people in psychological distress feel they can seek help and support from family, friends and health professionals.

Mental health awareness campaigns launched by the NOSP and the National Disability Authority, NDA, in 2007 further highlight the importance of taking care of our mental health and go a long way to helping to remove the stigma that is often associated with mental health issues. These are very welcome developments. Suicide affects all age groups and communities and reducing the present rate of suicide requires a collective, concerted effort from all age groups in society, health and social services, other professionals, communities and community leaders, voluntary and statutory agencies and organisations, parents, friends and neighbours. I assure Deputies of the Government's commitment to ensuring the actions identified in Reach Out are implemented.

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