Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I apologise for being unable to be present for the presentations. The most important thing about this document is that it can challenge assumptions and highlight the need for purposeful conversation, two things we decidedly need to do in this country. Reference was made to expressions we make in terms of describing suicide as an epidemic and a national crisis, as mentioned in the report. We must be brave. To a certain extent this document challenges traditional thinking in the area and that is positive in view of the fact that we are facing a serious situation with the escalating number of suicides in the country. We also need to consider the issue of mental health. Obviously, the HSE has a lead role in addressing this issue. We need to have a serious conversation as a nation and we need to do so quickly because while we prevaricate as a people there are vulnerable people in the country every day who are contemplating suicide. Although we talk about it, are we putting the structures in place? As a people, do we accept that the issue must be addressed? Are we aggressively and actively pursuing policies and implementing and resourcing those policies? One could argue that the HSE has been lethargic, to say the least, in addressing many of the issues. One could argue that the recruitment of people has not been aggressively approached. The National Office for Suicide Prevention was left without a lead person for a long period. There may be reasons for this but while all these reasons are being offered as excuses, many people are taking their lives and that should be our priority.

This document pushes the boundaries to a certain extent in this regard. Senator Gilroy has brought forward this document. However, the key issue to flow from it is to identify where there is an alarming lack of resources and where to prioritise resources. That is where the real conversation will take place in terms of our priorities. This is not a political point against the Government. As a people, are we willing to make a larger contribution from the Exchequer to ensure that suicide prevention is at the highest level in every aspect? This is something we need to do.

We need to consider the practicality. Often, as Deputies, we hear of cases. We have raised issues in the areas of mental health and associated support services. Often people who are in a vulnerable position have to go to the emergency departments of hospitals out of hours. People may argue that this is the obvious place for a person to go if he is in a crisis. However, assuming that he has not ingested anything dangerous or self-harmed in any way, he may simply need talk therapy rapidly. Is an emergency department the right place for people to go in the first instance? Should we reconsider this? I am unsure whether there should be an isolation area or separate area but perhaps there should be an area where people can go and sit down with professionals in a more relaxed format to have a discussion, as opposed to being in the front line in an emergency department. This is something we should examine quickly.

I have no wish to delay the committee but I wish to make another point relating to under-reporting. I missed the last part of the presentation on that. Why is there under-reporting, if any? What is the motivation or the reasoning? Why does the system allow under-reporting? Is it because of the coroners' inquests? Is it because of family sensitivities? What exactly is the reason that there may be under-reporting of suicide? The deputations pointed to concerns about the alarming figures. If there is under-reporting then we should be more alarmed again but I am unsure whether that will spur us into swifter action.

Senator Gilroy's report referred to the downturn in the economy and financial pressures. The Chairman and I are aware of some tragic episodes in our city because of people who were under serious financial pressure. This was not necessarily the only reason but it could have been a contributory reason.

I have a question about another area although I am unsure whether we will have the answers in the committee today. I am keen for a more in-depth analysis carried out on the linkage between alcohol, drug addiction, relationship break-up and suicide, especially among young males. I have no evidence whatsoever other than my own instincts and what I have heard anecdotally. I attend funerals from time to time and I have met families who were bereaved. Perhaps the son was involved in drug addiction or was taking drugs for some time and then life escalated out of control to a certain extent and then ultimately it ended in suicide. Often families will explain that it started off and then gradually escalated to the point where the person saw no hope. Do we have enough analysis and detail in this area? The cohort of young males stands out obviously. What are the reasons young males aged 19, 20, 21 and 22 years of age believe that there is nothing left in life? I am keen to hear some observations on that. I congratulate the rapporteur on his work.