Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank all those involved in the Gilroy report. It is most illuminating and very well put together. I am unsure whether I should direct my questions to Senator John Gilroy or the witnesses but perhaps they can offer some comments. One of my questions relates to suicide numbers. I realise we have discussed the recession and population growth.

I wonder about cyberbullying and homophobic bullying. We had representatives of the transgender community before the committee and they talked about the rate of suicide being high among its members. I would welcome a comment in that regard.

I wish to ask about the coroner’s report. I do not know much about it, but I did watch a programme last week which worried me. It featured two families, one of which stated it was not allowed to attend the coroner’s inquest to give evidence. As a member of the public, will our guest tell me how one decides who is brought in to give evidence?

In the context of family sensitivities, I am also concerned about life insurance and mortgage repayments. Does this impact on what is written in a coroner’s report?

Reference is made on page 16 of the Gilroy report to the organisations working in the area of suicide prevention. Are coroners happy with what is available? How many organisations are involved?

Reference was also made to the accreditation of suicide support services. I understand the need for suicide prevention measures, but I am also worried about what happens to families following a death by suicide. Are coroners happy with the counselling services provided for families and communities?

I note the recording of verdicts. Is counselling training provided for persons dealing with families who have been bereaved such as members of the Garda or those involved in the coroner's service? Are they trained to deal with individuals in huge emotional distress?