The Government is to increase its funding to suicide charity Pieta House by more than €114,000 a month.
Minister of State with special responsibility for mental health, Jim Daly, has confirmed the increase is to be provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
This is in addition to existing funding of €2.03m per year.
The HSE and Pieta House have formally agreed to additional funding of €114,608 per month - equivalent to €343,824 per quarter - once current Government staffing cost schemes have stopped.
The HSE has committed to provide cash flow support on a monthly basis, with the position to be reviewed after each quarter.
The money will be used to fund an additional 300 counselling hours for high-risk clients.
Pieta provides free therapy to those engaging in self-harm, with suicidal ideation or bereaved by suicide.
Public donations and fundraising make up over 80% of its income.
Its annual Darkness Into Light event was replaced with a Sunrise Appeal this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The loss of the event saw a €6.5m hole in the charity’s budget.
Anyone affected by issues raised in this article can contact Pieta House on 1800-247-247 or text 'Help' to 51444
