Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 115: To ask the Minister for Health and Children in view of the recent tragic death of a young mother and her two little girls, her views on the fact that there were no after hours social workers available; her views on whether there is a need for a new initiative on suicide prevention; her views on the need for an increased budget for the National Prevention Office; the measures she intends to put in place to improve on suicide prevention; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29547/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I would like to extend my sincere sympathy to the family involved in this tragic case.

Community based social work services are generally provided on a Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm basis. There is currently no standardised national out-of-hours social work service. However, individuals can access health services on a 24-hour basis through the General Practitioner Out-of-Hours service or through Accident and Emergency services. Out-of-hours co-operatives are now in place in all HSE areas, providing coverage in all or in part of all counties. It is estimated that over two million people are currently covered by out-of-hours co-operatives and that additional funding provided in 2006 should allow for up to 350,000 additional persons to be covered. Services are also provided through Accident and Emergency.

In the tragic case referred to by the Deputy, I understand from the Health Service Executive that the receptionist at Ely Hospital did offer to contact Wexford General Hospital but the offer was declined.

A HSE project team is currently assessing the feasibility of establishing an Out of Hours service and International Best Practice research was commissioned on centralised intake systems offering a seven day, 24 hour service to inform deliberations.

"Reach Out" — a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014, which was launched in September 2005, recommends a combined public health and high risk approach. This approach to suicide prevention is also that advocated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and is in keeping with the European Action Plan for Mental Health.

The National Office for Suicide Prevention was established by the Health Service Executive to oversee the implementation of "Reach Out". An additional €1.2m has been allocated to the Office specifically for suicide prevention initiatives and research.

Additional resources were made available in 2005 to put in place experienced psychiatric nursing staff in A & E departments to respond to deliberate self harm presentations. Further investment is being made in 2006 to ensure that, by year end, all A & E departments have a service to respond to such presentations. It is expected that most A&E departments will be able to access a self harm specialist by the end of 2006.

Each HSE area employs a Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Promotion whose role is to co-ordinate and develop a broad response to suicide including the provision of training and counselling.