Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 186: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if an additional €60 million for suicide prevention will be made available; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27930/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy may be aware, Reach Out — a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention 2005-2014 was launched in September last. Four levels of action comprise the main body of the Strategy, i.e., general population approach; targeted approach; responding to suicide; and information and research.

During the two years developing 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. This consultation process, combined with continuous monitoring of evidence and best practice, allowed the project team to take both an evidence-based and pragmatic approach in prioritising actions to be undertaken by the various agencies and groups in order to effect real change over the next 5 to 10 years.

Following the publication of the Strategy, the Health Service Executive (HSE) established the National Office of Suicide Prevention (NOSP) to oversee the implementation of the Strategy. The Office has primary responsible for implementing the Strategy and will coordinate suicide prevention activities across the State, consult widely in relation to the planning of future initiatives and ensure best practice in suicide prevention.

An additional €26.2m development funding has been allocated to the HSE for the further development of our mental health services in 2006. Some €1.2m of this additional funding is specifically for suicide prevention initiatives. In the region of €800m will be spent on mental health services this year. The additional funding will be used to enhance the level and range of multidisciplinary services available to adults and children with mental illness. It will also fund the provision of additional community based mental health facilities, including mental health day centres, day hospitals and community residential facilities.

Future funding for suicide prevention initiatives will be considered in the context of the annual estimates process.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 187: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children given the high rates of suicide per capita in County Tipperary her views on making funds available for a project (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27931/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.