Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 229: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on the establishment of an inter-Departmental body between her Department and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform to investigate the measures that may be taken to tackle the growing missing persons problem, in view of the latter's involvement in such matters from a policing perspective and the involvement of her Department from a mental health services perspective; her further views on taking such action also with a view to tackling the growing problem of suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43651/06]

Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Garda authorities take direct responsibility for all issues relating to the investigation of the circumstances of missing persons. Operational responsibility for the management and delivery of health and personal social services was assigned to the Health Service Executive (HSE) under the Health Act 2004. Any assistance that the Health Service Executive can give in relation to missing persons is a matter between the HSE and the Garda.

As the Deputy may be aware, the HSE established the National Office for Suicide Prevention following the launch in September 2005 of "Reach Out", a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention. The Office was established to oversee the implementation of the Strategy and to coordinate suicide prevention activities across the State, consult widely in relation to the planning of future initiatives and ensure best practice in suicide prevention.