Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Mar 1999

Vol. 501 No. 3

Written Answers. - Suicide Incidence.

Willie Penrose

Question:

67 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures, if any, he plans to combat the extent of parasuicide among homeless people in view of the alarming level of parasuicide disclosed in the research carried out by the Homelessness and Mental Health Action Group. [5961/99]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Cowen)

The continuing rise in the incidence of suicide and parasuicide and, in particular, reports of high levels of parasuicide among the homeless is a cause of considerable concern. The report of the national task force on suicide, which was published last year, put forward a national suicide prevention-reduction strategy and identified the various authorities with jurisdiction in suicide prevention strategies and their respective responsibilities.

A core recommendation of the task force was the establishment of a suicide research group by the chief executive officers of the health boards. The group's main responsibilities include the review of ongoing trends in suicide and parasuicide, the co-ordination of research into suicide and the making of recommendations to the chief executive officers of health boards which, it is hoped, will assist in the reversal of the growing incidence of suicide and parasuicide. The group was established last year by the chief executive officers of the health boards and has met on three occasions, most recently on Tuesday, 26 January 1999. Arising from the deliberations of the group so far, it is intended to appoint a full-time researcher-co-ordinator with secretarial facilities. I have provided the necessary funds to the group to allow this important work to proceed. The research work to be undertaken by the group will, I hope, have a positive impact on the incidence of parasuicide among at risk groups, including the homeless.