To ask the Minister of Health for his assessment of the work of the Samaritans in supporting mental health and suicide prevention in Northern Ireland.

The Department of Health appreciates the valuable contribution which Samaritans have made to mental health and suicide prevention in Northern Ireland for many years. The Samaritans make valuable contributions to the Protect Life 2 Steering Group and have developed best practice guidance for a range of issues such as media guidance for sensitive reporting of suicide. The Samaritans listening ear service is not funded by this Department however is very highly regarded by service users and they provide a first point of contact for many people in distress or despair.