Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 84: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action she will take on the recommendations made in the new report on the high level of suicide in Irish society launched by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children on 10 June 2009; if her attention has been drawn to the need for positive action in this matter; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23926/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health and Children regarding the 'High Level of Suicide in Irish Society' published in 2006 and the Committee's recent updated Report are consistent with the actions identified in 'Reach Out' the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention 2005 -2014. The HSE, through the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), oversees the implementation of the strategy.

Initiatives which have been progressed by the NOSP include developing and implementing national training programmes; the development of a training strategy under the direction of a Training and Development Officer; progressing the availability of self-harm services through Hospital Emergency departments; developing a standardised approach to deliberate self harm presentations at Hospital Emergency 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.

In addition to the €8m available for suicide prevention initiatives, once-off funding of €1m was provided in 2009 to further develop services for those bereaved by suicide and to develop a campaign aimed at young people. Consultations with young people were arranged to inform the campaign.

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.