Suicide Prevention

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2015

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Questions (728, 729, 738)

Gerry Adams

Question:

728. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the current role of the Health Service Executive in counties Louth and Meath in working with suicide awareness and prevention groups; the mechanisms in place to ensure continuity of care for persons referred from general practitioners, or discharged from psychiatric services, who then engage with suicide prevention groups such as Save Our Sons and Daughters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30424/15]

Gerry Adams

Question:

729. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify if his Department, in conjunction with the National Suicide Prevention Office, meets with local groups which provide suicide awareness and prevention services; his plans to provide ongoing supports to such groups, and to establish formal structures to allow for cohesive services between various bodies involved in these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30425/15]

Gerry Adams

Question:

738. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he is familiar with the services provided by the suicide prevention group Save Our Sons and Daughters; if he will consider providing funding for suicide prevention and bereavement support to this group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30473/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 728, 729 and 738 together.

The role of the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) is to oversee the implementation of the present suicide prevention strategy Connecting for Life, and to coordinate suicide prevention initiatives around the country.

NOSP helps to support a wide array of work in communities, in partnership with the voluntary sector, across the country that focus on promoting positive mental health and reducing suicide and self-harm by providing significant grant funding each year as well as by assisting in coordinating and giving strategic direction to the work undertaken.

As the issues raised are service issues these questions have been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a response within 15 working days, please contact my private office and they will follow up the matter with them.