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New National Strategy for Suicide Prevention launched in Dublin

The Government says it's convinced it can reduce the number of people dying by suicide in Ireland...
Newstalk
Newstalk

11.25 24 Jun 2015


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New National Strategy for Suic...

New National Strategy for Suicide Prevention launched in Dublin

Newstalk
Newstalk

11.25 24 Jun 2015


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The Government says it's convinced it can reduce the number of people dying by suicide in Ireland.

The next phase of the country's National Strategy for Suicide Prevention has been launched in Dublin today.

Provisional figures from the CSO show the number of cases has fallen in the past few years, and the new scheme called 'Connecting for Life' sets a five year target to reduce suicide and self-harm by 10%.

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The new programme succeeds the ‘Reach Out’ strategy that was operating between 2005 and 2014.

Orla Barry is CEO of Mental Health Ireland. She spoke to Newstalk Lunchtime about the new plans.

"What this comes down to, on whether this works or whether it doesn't, is actually about the implementation," she told Jonathan, saying there are many very practical actions coming out of this plan. "The ideas are here in this strategy. It's how it's implemented."

Speaking about the new programme, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said, "as a Government, despite financial constraints, we have maintained and will continue to maintain mental health as a priority. Suicide prevention is everyone's concern and this strategy is a national plan for the whole of Government and the whole of society to work together."

Minister with responsibility for Mental Care Kathleen Lynch says they are providing practical ways to help people at crisis point:

Gerry Raleigh, Director of the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), said "we recognise that we cannot do this alone, no single agency, no single Government Department, no single individual can reduce suicide on their own. Therefore, we must ensure that we work together to achieve our shared and attainable goal for our nation."


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