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Defence Forces

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 September 2021

Thursday, 30 September 2021

Questions (237)

Alan Dillon

Question:

237. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Defence if he will report on the operation of the Mental Health and Well-being Strategy for the Defence Forces which was launched in 2020 and will run until 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47201/21]

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Written answers

The Mental Health Wellbeing Strategy for the Defence Forces, which was launched by me on 2nd December 2020, recognises the unique nature of the experience of military life in Ireland. The aim of the strategy is to provide a coordinated and effective mental health and support system for the personnel of the Defence Forces through the adoption of a series of measures between 2020 and 2023.

Eight supporting objectives (Governance, Resilience, Suicide, Stigma, Critical Incident Stress Management, a Comprehensive Approach, Military Families and a Model for Clinical Support) have been identified as essential components of the strategy to support the principal aim. It is intended that at the end of 2023, mental health and wellbeing support within the Defence Forces will be delivered in a coordinated, multi-disciplinary and directed manner that is designed to produce the best outcomes for the organisation and the military personnel and their families.

On 2nd November 2020, the Deputy Chief Of Staff (Support) issued an order for the convening of the Defence Forces Mental Health and Wellbeing Standing Committee which has responsibility for the implementation of the strategy. The Committee is chaired by the Officer In Charge of the Defence Forces Personnel Support Services and includes representatives of all subject matter experts in the area of mental health and wellbeing within the Defence Forces.

The committee has selected 15 milestones from the strategy for initial consideration during 2021. Each Milestone has been allocated to a working group consisting of selected members of the Standing Committee and other key personnel and subject matter experts as required. Work plans have been created and the Working Groups report monthly to a full meeting of the Standing Committee. At these meetings progress achieved is assessed and guidance offered to counter obstacles or to provide direction for action.

At the end of 2021, completed Working Group reports with associated documents will form the basis for a report on the working of the Standing Committee for the period, along with interim reports for Working Groups which are scheduled to continue into 2022. It is expected that the Defence Forces will then be in a position to proceed with the implementation of a Mental Health Strategy for 2024-2029, which will look to build on the progress achieved and ensure the effective delivery of mental health and wellbeing within the Defence Forces to the end of the decade.

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