John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the plans in place to provide training at the workplace level to prevent suicide; her plans to work in conjunction with the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to ensure that suicide prevention training takes place at work place level under the auspices of the Health and Safety Authority; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34900/08]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Reach Out — the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, which was launched in September 2005 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 co-operation between health, education, community, voluntary and private sector agencies.

The Strategy identifies the importance of promoting positive mental health, employee supports and crisis readiness in all places of work. It recognises the statutory role of the Health and Safety Authority in supporting workplace mental health promotion and suicide prevention initiatives.

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.