John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason the National Office for Suicide Prevention will not receive extra funding in 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9421/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Since the establishment of the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention in 2005, additional funding of €3.55 million has been provided for the implementation of "Reach Out" — the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014. This brought the total funding available to support suicide prevention initiatives to €8 million and this level of funding continues into 2008.

It should also be emphasised that a range of services such as mental health and primary care services are important in helping to prevent suicide. These services play a vital role in the drive to reduce the incidence of suicide, and should be taken into account when considering the level of expenditure devoted to suicide prevention.