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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jun 2001

Vol. 539 No. 3

Written Answers. - Mental Health Services.

Dan Neville

Question:

32 Mr. Neville asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will introduce a public awareness campaign through the media on all aspects of mental illness and positive mental health issues. [19112/01]

Mental health is equally important as physical health to the overall wellbeing of a person and poor mental health has a significant impact on a person's quality of life and their contribution to society. The strategic aim, set out in the Health Promotion Strategy, 2000-2005, is to promote positive mental health and to contribute to a reduction in the percentage of the population experiencing poor mental health.

The health promotion unit of my Department has been supporting a number of media based public awareness campaigns which focus on a range of mental health issues. Through funding campaigns run by organisations such as the Mental Health Association, AWARE, Schizophrenia Ireland and GROW, information and greater awareness on mental health matters continues to be promoted among the general public.

There are also numerous regional initiatives run by the health boards in conjunction with a range of non-statutory organisations focusing on mental health issues. There is increasing importance attached to issues such as stress management, suicide related matters and school based mental health promotion.

I am pleased to support and continue to support new developments and national awareness programmes and will continue to implement the objectives as set out in the national health promotion strategy.

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