Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)

I wish to oppose the motion of confidence because of the lack of recognition from the Government of the problem of depression out in society, caused by the recession. It affects people who are immediately touched by unemployment, financial crisis and fear of losing one's home and consequent interpersonal relations difficulties within families. There is a sizable need to ensure that the psychological, emotional and mental well-being of people is looked after and the resources are allocated.

We have criticised the Government for reducing the level of social welfare but it has substantially increased the cost of social welfare because of the numbers out of work. Some 440,000 people now receive social welfare payments. I am making the point that there is another need caused by this crisis; there must be support for the psychological, emotional and mental well-being of our people.

People are inherently vulnerable and can go through life doing well at school and college and being in a good marriage and job. If people lose that job and are in a financial bind, they would be extremely vulnerable. The Government should not reduce the resources for protecting and assisting such people.

There are statistics for the first three quarters of last year showing an increase in suicide rates of 26%. That was predictable as all recessions bring about an increase in suicide rates around the world but some states respond differently to it. When Finland experienced serious recession, the country responded in a different way than New Zealand, which experienced a substantial increase in suicide rates. The suicide rate increase in Finland was limited. The Taoiseach and Government should recognise that there is a serious issue that needs resourcing.

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