Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will confirm plans to provide for services dealing with the challenge of suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14873/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Reach Out – A National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention, provides a policy framework for suicide prevention activities in Ireland. Implementation of the strategy is the responsibility of the Health Service Executive.

Initiatives funded by the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) 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, dedicated suicide officers, supporting voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention and developing mental health awareness campaigns. 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.

Once-off funding of €1m has been provided in 2009 for further suicide prevention initiatives which brings the total funding available to NOSP in 2009 to €4.3m. The funding will be used to develop campaigns aimed at young people and to further develop services for those bereaved by suicide.