Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 November 2004
156 Mr. Allen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she proposes to increase funding for localised research on suicide in order to improve the effectiveness of suicide prevention strategies. [29016/04]
View answerSince the publication of the report of the national task force on suicide in 1998, my Department has given special attention to the resourcing of suicide prevention initiatives. A cumulative total of more than €17.5 million has now been provided towards suicide prevention programmes and for research activity at local and national level involving various agencies including the health boards, the national suicide review group, the Irish Association of Suicidology and the National Suicide Research Foundation. Further resourcing of suicide prevention initiatives will be considered in the context of the Estimates process for 2005.
As the Deputy may be aware, work is now well underway on the preparation of a strategic action plan for suicide reduction which involves the Health Boards Executive in partnership with the national suicide review group and supported by the Department of Health and Children. This strategy, which will be based on extensive national and international consultation and evidence based research, will build on existing policy and on the recommendations contained in the report of the national task force. All measures aimed at reducing the number of deaths by suicide will be considered in the preparation of this strategy, which will be completed in 2005.
