John Gormley
Question:71 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the measures, if any, he proposes to counteract the increase in suicide among young males; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11847/99]
Written Answers. - Suicide Incidence.
The report of the national task force on suicide which was published in February, 1998 put forward a national suicide prevention-reduction strategy and identified the various authorities with jurisdiction in suicide prevention strategies and their respective responsibilities.
Since the publication of the report, I have been in contact with my ministerial colleagues in the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Education and Science, and Environment and Local Government, with a view to implementing the task force recommendations in so far as these Departments are concerned. My Department has also contacted all the statutory agencies identified in the report with jurisdiction in suicide prevention strategies requesting that the necessary measures are put in place to ensure the implementation of the recommendations which relate to their respective areas.
The establishment of a suicide research group by the chief executive officers of the health boards is central to the strategy to prevent and reduce suicide and attempted suicide. The group was established last year and has met on several occasions. Arising from the deliberations of the group so far, it is intended to appoint a research-co-ordinator with secretarial facilities and I have provided the necessary funds to allow this important work to proceed.
The majority of health boards have appointed resource officers and have established multi-sectorial and multi-disciplinary working groups to examine the implementation of the recommendations of the report. They are engaged in a range of activities including, the promotion of positive mental health and the de-stigmatisation of suicide, provision of information in relation to suicide and parasuicide, liaison with the media and provision of training requirements for staff in relation to suicide and parasuicide. The process of consultation with statutory and voluntary groups on the issue of suicide has also commenced in many health board areas.
The task force identified particular at-risk groups of suicide and recommended that steps be taken to make the mental health services more accessible to the public, particularly to our young people. Concern was also expressed at the risk of suicide in older people. I am committed to further develop child and adolescent psychiatric services and mental health services for older people during 1999 which will assist in the early identification of suicidal behaviour and provide the necessary support and treatment to individuals at risk.
The Deputy may be assured that I am committed to implementing the national suicide prevention-reduction strategy recommended in the report of the national task force on suicide.
John Gormley
Question:72 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to financially support the initiative taken by a group (details supplied) to advertise its support service for young men contemplating suicide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11848/99]
As the provision of health services, including sup port for people who may be suicidal, is a matter for the health boards, I would suggest that the organisation concerned contact the relevant health board with a view to discussing its requirements.