Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the provisions she is making to improve direct access to services that are not simply based on medication but allow for talking therapies in view of the statistical data that indicates that there is a higher likelihood of suicide and attempted suicide during times of economic hardships; the progress that has been made to date on the specific proposals in Vision for Change that address issues around suicide; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20215/10]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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'A Vision for Change' outlines a comprehensive model for mental health service provision for Ireland. It describes a framework for building and fostering positive mental health across the entire community and for providing accessible, community-based, specialist services for people with mental illness. 'Reach Out' 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. Implementation of these Strategies are a matter for the HSE.

Initiatives which have been progressed by the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention (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; implementing recommendations arising from a review of bereavement services; dedicated suicide resource officers; the provision of funding to the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF); supporting voluntary organisations working in the field of suicide prevention and developing mental health awareness campaigns. The NOSP also published an information leaflet and wallet card targeted at the general public entitled 'looking after your mental health during tough economic times'. The resources outline information on the impact unemployment and financial difficulties have on mental health and wellbeing, how people can look after their mental health, signs of common mental health problems and available support services. An information booklet called 'Suicide Prevention in the Workplace' which provides organisations and workplaces with practical guidance on how staff can respond to and support persons who are at risk of suicidal behaviour has also been made available.