James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

821. To ask the Minister for Health the recommendations of the Mental Health Commission report, The Human Cost, that have been implemented by his Department. [34377/17]

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The 2011 report by the Mental Health Commission, The Human Cost,looked at the interplay between economic hardship and mental health. This report identified a number of recommendations, which were directed at a variety of organisations.

In relation to the health sector, the report for example advocated a programme of appropriate training, provided on a regular basis, to staff in contact with people experiencing serious financial difficulty, and particularly highlighted the benefits of SafeTALK and ASIST training. This training continues to be available, with the National Office for Suicide Prevention involved in a range of training initiatives around suicide prevention and mental health promotion. The National Office for Suicide Prevention has responsibility for coordination of the national education and training plan associated with Connecting for Life, our national strategy to reduce suicide 2015-2020. As part of this, they are responsible for delivering awareness training programmes prioritising professionals and volunteers across community-based organisations; providing community-based organisations with guidelines, protocols and training on suicide prevention; and delivering training in suicide prevention to staff involved in the delivery of relevant services. Since 2004, over 70,000 adults have received free training in suicide prevention through the ASIST and SafeTALK programmes. SafeTALK training is suitable for everyone over 18 years of age who wants to help prevent suicide and become suicide alert, and is delivered on request. HSE Regional Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention can be contacted in relation to this or to find out more information about available training.

The report also suggests further awareness and information on mental health would be useful. There are a range of such initiatives in place, such as the publication of ‘Concerned about Suicide’, a suicide prevention leaflet, and mental health information and anti-stigma campaigns such as the 'Green Ribbon' and 'Little Things' campaigns. It also suggests the creation of a leaflet with basic information on mental health (including definitions/descriptions of different disorders) for the financial services sector. A separate Parliamentary Question the Deputy submitted today on this latter issue has been sent to the HSE for direct reply, as this is a specific operational matter.