Gerry Adams
Ceist:600. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health his Department's strategy for tackling and preventing suicide and self-harm; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19840/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 26 May 2015
Ceisteanna (600, 601)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:601. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the current status of the national strategic framework to reduce suicide 2015 to 2020; when it will be published; the difference it will make; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19841/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 600 and 601 together.
Government policy on suicide prevention is guided by Reach Out, the National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention (2005-2014). Reach Out contains 26 action areas and 96 recommendations in the areas of research, training, co-ordination of efforts to prevent suicide, mental health promotion, suicide prevention initiatives, bereavement support and reporting of suicide and self-harm.
The HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) was established to oversee the implementation of the Reach Out Strategy and to co-ordinate suicide prevention initiatives around the country. 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. It has progressed substantial work on almost every recommendation of Reach Out, and funds over 40 individual organisations and programmes, both internal and external to the HSE.
Reach Out came to the end of its 10-year term at the end of 2014 and consequently the Department of Health and the HSE have been developing a new strategic framework for suicide prevention for the period 2015-2020, building on the comprehensive work delivered under Reach Out. The new strategy is focused on a whole-of-government approach, including engagement with several other Government departments, and sets out a comprehensive and multi-layered response, with interventions at different levels, and involving a range of stakeholders. It provides a set of strategic goals, objectives, related actions and high-level outcomes to progress suicide prevention over the next five years. Each area of action is led by a Government department or agency, working closely with communities and non-statutory partners. An implementation plan will be developed which will identify clear roles and responsibilities, robust monitoring and accountability structures to support and drive action across all stakeholder organisations.
Work on finalising the new National Strategic Framework is at an advanced stage. Subject to Government approval, the Framework should be completed and published by end-June 2015. The publication of the new Framework will present opportunities for further cooperation on suicide prevention initiatives in the areas of research, evaluation, raising awareness, promoting positive mental health, shared learning and good practice. The new Framework includes a number of actions and outcomes which I hope will help us achieve our goal of fewer lives lost through suicide.