Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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585. To ask the Minister for Health the number of suicide prevention nurses who have been appointed; by location; if any are based in the County Roscommon area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34626/15]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Since coming into office, this Government has prioritised the reform of our mental health services in line with the recommendations in A Vision for Change.We are committed to reducing the stigma of mental illness, ensuring early and appropriate intervention and improving access to modern mental health services in the community. Additional funding totalling €125 million and some 1,150 new posts have been provided for mental health services since 2012.

This funding has enabled the HSE to develop a number of services and programmes for people who are in suicidal crisis, including the self-harm Clinical Programme which provides for assessment and management of patients presenting with self-harm to Emergency Departments, the development of the Liaison Psychiatry Service and the roll out of the Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) service.

In relation to the number and location of the specialist nurses appointed, as this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.