Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 480: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to a letter (details supplied) sent to her office on 31 October 2004; the way in which she intends to assist primary and post-primary teachers who are faced with students at risk of potential suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30216/04]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of the contents of this letter, which outlines details of a particular case and also makes suggestions about a strategic approach aimed at dealing with emotional disturbance, thus preventing suicide. Schools faced with an emergency situation have access to advice from the National Educational Psychological Service, NEPS. NEPS published a school handbook on responding to critical incidents last year and, while it mainly addresses the issue of preparing for and managing critical incidents, it also contains a short section on the creation of a supportive and caring school ethos, and advice on assessing students for suicide risk. NEPS psychologists regularly assist schools in the aftermath of an incident since early intervention is important in preventing distress and further difficulties for those close to a person who has died tragically. This is a highly valued element of the service that NEPS provides to schools and I have asked NEPS to contact the writer of the letter in relation to the individual mentioned.

With regard to the broader strategy, research indicates that the development of self-esteem, general coping skills and personal effectiveness is the most appropriate way to help the general population of young people to deal with life pressures and stress. The introduction of social, personal and health education, SPHE, as a core subject at primary level and up to junior certificate level has been a great achievement. An SPHE support team is in place to help schools to implement this curriculum. The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment is completing a proposal on SPHE for senior cycle. This will include a module on mental health.

In addition, my Department is involved in a national steering group, which is drawing up a new strategy and implementation plan for the prevention of suicide. It expects to report in March 2005 and I will make a further statement when the strategy is published.