James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 89: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the target for the reduction of suicides by 20% by 2012; the number of suicides that have been reported for 2007 and 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34308/08]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 90: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of recommendations of Reach Out that have been implemented as promised in the Programme for Government; the number of the recommendations of the sub committee on the high levels of suicide that have been implemented as promised in the Programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34309/08]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 89 and 90 together.

According to the Central Statistics Office the provisional number of deaths by suicide in 2007 was 460. The figures for 2008 are not yet available. Suicide prevention rates have been agreed with the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) — an interim target for a 10% reduction in suicide is to be achieved by 2010. In addition, a target of 5% reduction in repeated self-harm by 2010 and a further 5% by 2016 has been set.

The recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health and Children regarding the "High Levels of Suicide in Irish Society" are consistent with the actions identified in "Reach Out". The HSE, through the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), oversees the implementation of "Reach Out". The Executive, therefore, is the appropriate body to consider the particular matter raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have this matter investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.