Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the action she plans to take regarding suicide prevention in 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1601/11]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) is responsible for overseeing the implementation of 'Reach Out' – A National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention 2005 – 2014. 'Reach Out' 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.

An additional €1 million was provided in the recent Budget for the NOSP for 2011 which will enable the Office to build on initiatives to date and bring added momentum and new impetus to their activities to address the increasing incidence of suicide. The following areas will be targeted:

develop both the number and range of training and awareness programmes (including the ASIST programme) to reach the most vulnerable in our communities;

improve and standardise the response to deliberate self harm presentations;

develop the capacity of primary care to respond to suicidal behaviour and consider new models of response;

ensure that helpline supports for those in emotional distress are coordinated and widely publicised.

Within each of these four areas an emphasis will be placed on the most vulnerable groups identified in 'Reach Out' and more recent research. The details of these initiatives will be discussed and agreed with the NOSP.

The National Stigma Reduction Campaign, 'See Change' will continue in 2011. The aim of 'See Change' is to positively change social attitudes and behaviour, to inspire people to challenge their beliefs about mental illness and to be more open in their attitudes and behaviour and to encourage people in distress to seek help. A network of national and local organisations across the country will carry the anti-stigma message through local broadcasts, local print media and a range of other activities.