THE President of the Irish Association of Suicidology has called for €3 million of government spending to be specifically focused on suicide prevention. The theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day, held on Monday October 10, was ‘investing in mental health’, leading Deputy Dan Neville, president of the association, to call for funding for the cause. “Mental ill-health is not only damaging to the sufferer, their family and community, it is also damaging to the economy,” said the TD.
“The Mental Health Commission estimates that the direct annual cost of mental health was a staggering €3 billion in 2006.
“This is a direct cost to the taxpayer as a result of decades of government inaction”.
He explained that ‘A Vision for Change’, adopted by the 2006 government, outlines the basis for the development of mental health services in Ireland.
“The policy framework was greeted by near universal approval as the best model for a modern, comprehensive, world-class service to meet the mental health challenges facing our society.
“However, the previous government failed to turn words into action.
“A lack of national leadership means stigma continues to be a serious major issue for many people with mental health problems”.
The proportion of the health expenditure allocated to mental health remains low by international standards, at 5.3%, according to Deputy Neville.
“The present government has committed to ring fence €35 million annually to implement the recommendations contained in ‘A Vision for Change’.
“I believe that it is important that at least €3 million of this money be allocated to the National Office for Suicide Prevention.
“In 2010, 600 people died by suicide and more than 70,000 others attempted suicide or self harmed.
“Reducing this number will require financial support, as well as an open and honest national discussion”.
