Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 116: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the high incidence of suicide among the Traveller community; the measures and supports she will put in place to specifically target this group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41387/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
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I am aware of the report of the high incidence of suicide among the travelling community. I wish to assure the Deputy that the Government is fully committed to the implementation of suicide prevention initiatives and the further development of our mental health services in order to prevent and reduce further tragic loss of life.

The National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) was established by the Health Service Executive in 2005 to oversee the implementation of "Reach Out", the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention. This Office is responsible for the implementation of the Strategy and provides support to groups and organisations for their work in the development of suicide prevention initiatives. In 2006, an additional €1.2m has been allocated to the Health Service Executive specifically for suicide prevention initiatives and research.

Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have the matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.