Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)

I thank Deputy Neville for raising this important issue for which we all share his concerns. I am taking this topical issue on behalf of my colleague, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, Minister of State with responsibility for mental health issues, who cannot be present today.

The National Office for Suicide Prevention was established by the HSE in 2005 to implement Reach Out, the national strategy for action on suicide prevention. The office is guided by an advisory group comprising individuals with considerable knowledge and expertise around suicide prevention and mental health promotion. The work of the office is constantly evolving and its programme of activities is focused on evidence-based interventions and also involves the funding of new research and pilot projects.

My ministerial colleague, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, is very much aware the national office plays a key role in developing and supporting initiatives related to suicide prevention. Since the launch of Reach Out and the establishment of the national office, there has been a significant amount of cross-sectorial working which has resulted in considerable advances in suicide prevention.

Initiatives include the ASIST and Safetalk training programmes, the tough economic times programme and the mental health awareness campaigns. Support has also been given to voluntary organisations in their work on suicide prevention. All-island co-operation in the areas of promoting positive mental health and tackling the issue of suicide has been promoted. Funding has also been provided for several suicide community assessment nurses, SCAN, to work in primary care to provide an effective and co-ordinated response for people who are in distress. A working group has been established to address the issue of reducing access to the means of suicide and self-harm in a national and co-ordinated way. In addition, the national office recently established a working group to review again the current activities in this area and to determine the priorities within suicide prevention to ensure we maximise the available resources.

The former director of the national office, Geoff Day, retired last September. I thank him for his contribution and commitment over the years in the area of suicide prevention. Having regard to the importance of the work of the office, the HSE appointed an acting director while expressions of interest were sought for the permanent position. The closing date for receipt of applications was 3 February and interviews will take place later this month. It is expected the appointment to the permanent position should take place shortly thereafter.

The Government recognises the issue of suicide prevention is one of the most urgent challenges currently facing society. It is committed to further developing our mental health and suicide prevention services. This commitment was clearly shown in budget 2012 which provided for a special allocation of €35 million for mental health in line with programme for Government commitments. Funding from this special allocation will be used primarily to strengthen the community mental health teams in both adult and children's mental health services and to implement prioritised suicide prevention measures.

I thank Deputy Neville for raising this matter.

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