Expert Advisory Group – Next National Suicide and Self-Harm Reduction Strategy

Overview and Role of the Expert Advisory Group

The Expert Advisory Group was a 22-member group of experts from academic, clinical, policy, and community sectors established to guide the development of Ireland’s new national suicide and self-harm reduction strategy, which will build on progress under Connecting for Life (2015–2024) and set out the Government’s approach to suicide reduction, intervention, and postvention from 2026 onwards.

Chaired by Dr Eileen Williamson, the Group brought together a wide range of expertise to ensure the strategy was ambitious, evidence-informed, and grounded in the realities faced by individuals, families, and communities across Ireland.

The work of the Group was informed by an extensive public consultation process, which received almost 2,000 submissions, including contributions from members of the public and professionals through a series of focus groups.

A parallel Lived Experience Reference Group, chaired by Joe O’Donovan and coordinated by the National Suicide Research Foundation, worked alongside the Expert Advisory Group to ensure that the voices of those directly affected by suicide — including those with experience of suicidal behaviour, bereavement, and supporting others — were meaningfully reflected throughout the process.

The Expert Advisory Group provided strategic, independent, and evidence-based advice, helping to shape the overall direction and priorities of the strategy, ensure alignment with evidence, integrate lived experience, and support a coordinated cross-government response.

The Group completed its work by delivering its report and recommendations, which informed the finalisation of Ireland’s new national suicide and self-harm reduction strategy.

Expert Advisory Group Membership

Dr Eileen Williamson – Chair

Mr James J. Kelly – President, Coroners’ Society

Prof Ella Arensman – Head of UCC School of Public Health; Chief Scientist, NSRF

Dr Eve Griffin – CEO, National Suicide Research Foundation

Prof Philip Dodd – Department of Health

Sharon Eustace – Department of Education

Donan Kelly – HSE Child and Youth Mental Health Office

Dr Yolande Ferguson – Dublin South Central Mental Health Services

Det. Superintendent Derek Maguire – An Garda Síochána

John Meehan – HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention

Tony Canavan – HSE

Niamh Crudden – HSE

Sarah Hearne – HSE

Brendan Kennelly – University of Galway

Joe O’Donovan – Lived Experience Panel

Dr Amir Niazi – HSE

Lisa Robson – HSE Social Inclusion

Aleisha Clarke – Department of Health

Dr Bríd Shanahan – Deep End Ireland

Prof Diarmuid O’Donovan – HSE Public Health

John Dunne – Central Statistics Office

Tim Linehan – Central Statistics Office

Noel Hand – Department of Social Protection

Ken Kilbride – Community and Voluntary Sector

Expert Advisory Group Meetings

The Expert Advisory Group met on six occasions, with its first meeting taking place on 10 July 2025 and its final meeting on 5 December 2025.

Meeting 1

Meeting 2

Meeting 3

Meeting 4

Meeting 5

Meeting 6

Expert Advisory Group Report

The Expert Advisory Group completed its work with the delivery of its report and recommendations.

Report of the Expert Advisory Group for the next suicide and self-harm reduction strategy

The findings and recommendations of the Group informed the development of the final strategy.

Support Information

Support is always available.

If you, or someone you know, needs support, visit www.yourmentalhealth.ie for information on mental health supports and services.

You can access support through:

Text HELLO to 50808 (24/7)

Your GP or local Emergency Department

HSE Mental Health Services

Phone 1800 111 888 (24/7 information line)

Samaritans 116 123

Pieta House 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444

Media Reporting Guidance

When reporting on suicide, it is important to follow best practice guidelines. The HSE recommends adherence to the Samaritans Ireland Media Guidelines for Reporting Suicide.

Samaritans' media guidelines for reporting suicide | Samaritans