Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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199. To ask the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding support for families of persons who have committed suicide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25399/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Government policy on suicide prevention has been guided to date byReach Out,the first National Strategy on Suicide Prevention ( 2005-2014). TheReach Outstrategy came to the end of its 10-year term at the end of last year, and at my request, the Department of Health and the HSE developed a new strategic framework for suicide prevention to succeed and build upon Reach Out. I am pleased to say that Connecting for Life, the successor to Reach Outwas launched this morning by An Taoiseach.

The new Strategy sets out a vision where fewer lives are lost through suicide, and where communities and individuals are empowered to improve their mental health and wellbeing. This includes a greater focus on the important area of support for families and communities in suicide prevention, and will include providing community-based organisations with guidelines, protocols and training on effective suicide prevention. The Strategy will also deliver co-ordinated communication campaigns for the promotion of mental health and wellbeing among the whole population with a focus on protective health behaviours and consistent signposting to relevant support services.

The National Office for Suicide Prevention continues to provide significant funding to a number of agencies such as The Samaritans, Console and Pieta House who provide counselling to people at risk of suicide and bereavement support for families who have been affected by suicide. This key area of support for families will continue to be prioritised in the future.