Fergus O'Dowd
Question:101. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Defence the progress made in implementing the mental health and well-being strategy for the Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3629/22]
View answerThursday, 27 January 2022
Questions (101)
Oral answers (3 contributions)
What progress has been made in implementing the mental health and well-being strategy for the Defence Forces?
I will have to give a quick answer as we are tight on time. The mental health and well-being strategy for the Defence Forces, which was launched by me on 2 December 2020, recognises the unique nature of the experience of military life in Ireland. The aim of the strategy is to provide a co-ordinated 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 well-being support within the Defence Forces will be delivered in a co-ordinated, multidisciplinary and directed manner that is designed to produce the best outcomes for the organisation and the military personnel and their families.
Question No. 102 answered with Question No. 98.
Question No. 103 answered with Question No. 97.
Question No. 104 replied to with Written Answers.
There is just time for Deputy John Brady to introduce Question No. 105.