Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
1114. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of State agencies that currently deliver suicide prevention, counselling and other related suicide programmes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13673/14]
View answer1115. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the criteria for setting up suicide prevention, counselling and other related suicide programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13674/14]
View answer1116. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the funding available to organisations providing suicide prevention, counselling and other related suicide programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13675/14]
View answer1117. Deputy Mary Mitchell O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of State agencies that currently deliver suicide prevention programmes which are classified as section 38 or 39 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13676/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1114 to 1117, inclusive, together.
Funding for suicide prevention is provided to the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) by the HSE from its overall budget for mental health. The budget for suicide prevention for 2014 is €8.8 million. The NOSP has developed a range of initiatives to support people who are suicidal and also supporting their families, friends and peers in recognising and responding appropriately to signs of emotional distress and suicidal thoughts. The NOSP also coordinates the activity of the many voluntary and statutory agencies that are engaged in suicide prevention activities.
As the questions raised by the Deputy are service matters, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply
