Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his reply. I also thank him and the Minister of State for their investment in developing mental health resources. I congratulate and recognise the work of the NOSP under Mr. Gerry Raleigh, who has done a good job. I commend the Government on increasing the amount of money that is given to the NOSP from €4.3 million to €8.7 million.

I wish to ask about the report and Reach Out. The department of economics at NUI Galway calculated the cost of suicide to the State in 2001 as being €906 million. Reach Out included a special section on the economic cost of suicide. Perhaps we could determine today's figure. In this country, economics often talk as much as, or more than, other factors that we might hope would be given more attention.

It is important that we invest in services to those bereaved by suicide. They are a special group and face special difficulties.

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