David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the suicide prevention strategy for men, Mind our Men, which was published earlier by Pieta House. It is an important initiative, which should have the full support of all Oireachtas Members. It is a multi-platform training and education programme. As the people rolling out this campaign say, men do not engage with services and, therefore, any initiatives that will help men and others at risk of suicide and heightens people's awareness of the services that are available should be supported and welcomed. I draw the attention of the Leader to a suicide prevention strategy in place in Waterford. It was recognised by the Department of Health as a best practice model, yet the funding for the staff has been cut. There is a need for a discussion on mental health services funding. There is an issue about outstanding money, which had been earmarked and was to be put to one side for suicide prevention. The amount was supposed to be ¤30 million. Where is the money? How will it be spent?

We have debated suicide prevention in the past and it was accepted across the house that we cannot just talk about suicide prevention if we do not provide the resources and funding and make sure services are available for people. Given the positive announcement and campaign being rolled out by Pieta House and given the bad news for Waterford that the funding for the staff of the local suicide prevention strategy, which is supported by the local development programme for Waterford city, is being withdrawn, it would be timely to have a discussion on suicide prevention, funding of strategies and mental health services funding generally to make sure funding is available and is properly used.