Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to run a media campaign to help remove the stigma of mental illness; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18308/08]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 219: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to implement, as a matter of urgency, the recommendation of Reach Out, the national strategy for action for suicide prevention, and the recommendations of the Sub-committee on the High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18337/08]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to improve services and supports for marginalised groups, particularly those with mental health difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18338/08]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the programme for Government to collate accurate data on suicide and conduct and fund research on prevention methods; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18339/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 219 to 221, inclusive, together.

In September 2005, "Reach Out" — a National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, 2005-2014 was launched. The strategy provides a policy framework for suicide prevention activities in Ireland. The strategy calls for a multi-sectoral approach to the prevention of suicidal behaviour in order to foster cooperation between health, education, community, voluntary and private sector agencies. The actions identified in this strategy are consistent with the commitments in the Programme for Government.

The HSE, through 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 regarding the "High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society" which are consistent with the actions identified in "Reach Out".

One of the key components of the overall strategy aimed at reducing suicide include the implementation of measures aimed at high risk groups, provision of information and training on suicide prevention to relevant professionals and organisations, research on suicide prevention and the improvement of services which would benefit those at risk of suicide and those who attempt suicide.

Additional funding of €1.85 million was provided in 2007 for the implementation of the Strategy bringing the overall funding available to support suicide prevention initiatives in 2007 to €8 million and this level of funding continues into 2008.

Initiatives funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention include developing and implementing national training programmes, completing the availability of self-harm services through A&E departments, implementing recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services, eleven dedicated suicide officers, supporting voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention and developing mental health awareness campaigns.

The promotion of positive mental health contributes significantly to combating ignorance and stigma which often surrounds mental illness. In 2007, two national mental health awareness campaigns were launched. In October 2007, Minister Devins launched the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention's Mental Health Awareness Campaign "Your Mental Health". The main aim of this campaign is to influence public attitudes to mental health and is specifically designed to alter negative attitudes and to promote positive attitudes and a greater understanding of mental health. In addition, in December 2007, Minister Devins launched the National Disability Authority's advertising campaign "Challenging Attitudes to Mental Health", which is designed to challenge negative perceptions about people with mental health problems.

The NOSP Annual Report includes details on initiatives and statistics etc. including research activities funded.