Fine Gael have promised to increase the mental health current budget to €251 m per annum if elected over the term of office of the government.
Speaking at a press conference in Dublin this morning party leader Enda Kenny said that mental health services have been neglected and significantly under funded by the outgoing FF/PD Government.
Mr Kenny said: "The issue remains a vital one - hundreds of people - particularly young people, die by suicide each year and many thousands of people, including children are affected by poor, or no, mental health services".
If elected Mr Kenny promised to immediately double the budget for suicide prevention from €5 million to €10 million and increase it to €20 million by the end of the government's term of office.
Fine Gael also promised to supply an adequate number of psychologists will be to prisons and to create public/voluntary and community sector partnerships to strengthen community-based suicide prevention strategies and bereavement support.
"Fine Gael will ensure that mental health services are comprehensive, adaptable and resourced towards those who need them and particularly towards helping those who can reach recovery," Deputy Kenny added.