Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
194 Mr. M. Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on the alarming increase in the incidence of suicide; the proposals she is putting in train to support families coping with this trauma; and her further views on the preventative measures which the community as a whole must adopt to reduce this alarming level of suicides. [31083/04]
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 under way on the preparation of a strategic action plan for suicide reduction which involves the health boards executive, HeBe, in partnership with the national suicide review group and supported by the Department of Health and Children. This strategy will be based on extensive national and international consultation and evidence-based research. It will build on existing policy, including the further development of appropriate support services. 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.
