Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the Reach Out report on suicide prevention. [28950/05]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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"Reach Out"— a national strategy for action on suicide prevention — was launched by the Tánaiste on 8 September this year. This strategy builds on the work of the national task force on suicide, 1998, and takes account of the efforts and initiatives developed by the former health boards and the voluntary sector in recent years. In the course of the development of the strategy, wide ranging consultation took place throughout the country to draw on the experience, perspectives and ideas of the key stakeholders and interested parties. I believe that this consultation process, combined with continuous monitoring of evidence and best practice, has allowed for both an evidence based and pragmatic approach to be taken to effect real change over the next five to ten years.

The strategy takes a combined public health and high risk approach to the issue of suicide prevention. Four levels of action comprise the main body of the report. These can be categorised as: a general population approach, a targeted approach, responding to suicide and information and research. At each level, action areas have been identified — 26 in total — and specific points of action have been identified to be implemented in three phases over the coming years.

The Health Services Executive, HSE, will take a lead role in overseeing the implementation of the strategy, in partnership with statutory and voluntary organisations. Driving the implementation of the strategy will be a new national office for suicide prevention. The strategy is based on extensive consultation, sound evidence and international best practice. It is practical and achievable. It is evidence of this Government's determination to take whatever steps we can to reduce the level of suicide in our society and it will enable us to do that in a more comprehensive, co-ordinated and cohesive manner.

In addition to existing funding, a further €0.5 million has been allocated for the remainder of this year to commence the implementation of the national strategy for action on suicide prevention and funding for 2006 is currently under consideration in the context of the Estimates process. Additional funding allocations will be made available over the coming years to support the strategy and to complement local and national efforts.