Written answers

Thursday, 27 September 2007

Department of Health and Children

Suicide Incidence

5:00 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 79: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress that has been made on the implementation of the recommendations of the report of the Joint Committee on Health and Children on The High Level of Suicide in Irish Society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21344/07]

Photo of Jimmy DevinsJimmy Devins (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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I would like 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 to prevent and reduce further tragic loss of life.

In September 2005, "Reach Out" — a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014 was launched. The National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) oversees the implementation of the strategy and has taken on board the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health and Children into the "High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society".

In 2006, €1.2m additional funding was allocated for suicide prevention initiatives and research. A further €1.85 million has been allocated for 2007 bringing the total funding available in 2007 to support suicide prevention initiatives to approximately €8 million. This funding is being used to develop and implement national training programmes, to complete the availability of self-harm services through A&E Departments, to implement recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services and to support voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention.

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