Press Release: Thursday 04 September 2024
Minister Butler Appoints Expert Advisory Group for Ireland’s Next Suicide Reduction Strategy
Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler T.D. has appointed 22 members to an Expert Advisory Group to guide the development of Ireland’s next national suicide reduction strategy.
The new strategy, building on Connecting for Life (2015-2024), will set out the Government’s approach to suicide reduction, intervention, and postvention from 2026 onwards. The Expert Advisory Group for the next suicide reduction strategy will play a central role in shaping the strategy, ensuring it is informed by the latest evidence, cross-sectoral expertise, and the lived experience of those affected by suicide.
The expert group, chaired by Dr Eileen Williamson, former CEO of the National Suicide Research Foundation, comprises 22 members representing clinical, academic, policy, and community sectors.
A parallel Lived Experience Reference Group will work closely with the Advisory Group to ensure that lived experience is central to the development of the strategy. This group will be chaired by Joe O’Donovan and coordinated by the National Suicide Research Foundation.
The work of both Groups will be informed by the recent public consultation for the new strategy which was launched by the Minister in March of this year. The Department of Health received almost 2,000 responses to the consultation, including the participation of over 200 members of the public and professionals in a series of focus groups.
Speaking at the first meeting of the Expert Group this week Minister Butler, said:
“I am grateful to each of the members for agreeing to join our Expert Advisory Group to guide the next phase of our national response to suicide. The combined expertise and commitment from this group will be instrumental in developing a strategy that is both ambitious, compassionate and deeply rooted in the realities faced by individuals, families, and communities across Ireland.”
“Ensuring the voices of lived and living experience are included in the development of policy is critically important to me. I want to thank Joe O’Donovan for taking on the important role of chairing a parallel Lived Experience Reference Group to ensure the insights of people with experience of suicide inform the work of the expert group.”
Dr Eileen Williamson, Chair of the Expert Advisory Group, commented:
“This is a unique opportunity to shape a national strategy that truly reflects the complexity of suicide and self-harm in Ireland. Our work will be grounded in evidence, but also in empathy. We are committed to listening deeply, thinking critically, and working collaboratively to ensure that the next strategy is both effective and inclusive.”
Joe O’Donovan, Chair of the Lived Experience Reference Group, said:
“Lived experience is not just a perspective – it’s a vital source of insight. Our group represents those who have experience of suicidal behaviour, experience of suicide bereavement and experience of supporting a friend or family loved member through suicidal behaviour. We will ensure that the voices of those who have been directly impacted by suicide are heard, respected, and reflected in measures that need to be delivered by the next strategy.”
The Expert Advisory Group will deliver its initial report and recommendations before the end of the year, with continued advisory support through to March 2026.