THE HEALTH SERVICE Executive has said that the resignation of Geoff Day, the Director of the National Office for Suicide Prevention will not affect frontline services.

In a statement to TheJournal.ie, the HSE said the office will continue to deliver the level of service set out in its service plan.

The Irish Examiner reported earlier today that Day resigned because of a shortage of staff in his office. However, Health Minister Dr James O’Reilly denied these reports, according to BreakingNews.ie.

At a suicide prevention conference in Dublin today, O’Reilly said Day had “fully intended to leave in January to do a masters degree in Trinity College”.

However, Day had highlighted his frustrations about a lack of resources last month.

The office’s website shows a key position – resource officer for Dublin North East – remains unfilled. The HSE were unable to confirm how long this position has been vacant for.

The news of his resignation coincides with World Suicide Prevention Week. However, he still spoke at Console’s annual conference in Dublin this afternoon.

You can contact Samaritans on 1850 60 9090, or contact them via email atjo@samaritans.org.