Dr Jimmy Devins, T.D., Minister For State With Responsibility For Disability And Mental Health Marks World Suicide Prevention Day, Ireland

Main Category: Mental Health
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Depression
Article Date: 11 Sep 2007 - 13:00 PDT

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Dr Jimmy Devins, T.D., Minister for State with Responsibility for Disability and Mental Health was speaking last Monday on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day.

Minister Devins described suicide as a very serious societal problem.

''Today we mark suicide awareness day. It is a day we cannot allow to pass without the most intense focus because of the scale of the problem. If only one person was lost to society in this way it would be an urgent issue. But the current extent of the suicide problem especially among young people demands all our attention. Preventing suicide and reducing the rate of suicide is an urgent public health issue, one that goes right to the heart of our efforts and policies to create a healthy, prosperous and socially inclusive Ireland. We need to continue to work as a society to create a culture and environment where people in psychological distress feel they can seek help", said Minister Devins.

"Preventing suicide and reducing the rate of deliberate self harm in line with "Reach Out" - a National Strategy for Suicide Prevention are key priorities for me" said the Minister. It has been agreed with the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) that an interim target for a 10% reduction in suicide be achieved by 2010. In addition, a target of 5% reduction in repeated self harm by 2010 and a further 5% by 2016 has been agreed.

This year, in the region of €1 billion revenue funding will be spent on mental health services. In 2006, €1.2m additional funding was allocated for suicide prevention initiatives and research. A further €1.85 million was allocated in 2007 bringing the total funding available in 2007 to support suicide prevention initiatives to approximately €8 million. "Additional funding is being sought for next year to continue implementing "Reach Out". My Department will continue to work closely with the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP) to ensure that everything possible is done to reduce the rate of suicide" said Minister Devins.

The Minister also referred to the recent international conference held in Killarney. Delegates from all over the world attended this event to discuss the latest research and initiatives relating to suicide prevention, self harm and mental health promotion. "It was a great opportunity both to learn from experience and research worldwide and to showcase some of the important work that is being carried out in Ireland" said Minister Devins.

http://www.dohc.ie/

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