Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I compliment our colleagues in the Independent group for framing this motion. It gives the House an opportunity to debate an issue that is of great concern throughout the country. I hope there is a measure of agreement across the floor on this issue. My sense is that there is not a family in the State which has not been affected or touched in some way by suicide. I am glad to acknowledge the presence of my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Tim O'Malley, who has shown a particular interest in this subject.

Two weeks ago I attended a meeting in Tallaght, organised in An Cosán, the educational development project. My colleague, Deputy Crowe, was also present. It was a most profound evening in the sense that we had the opportunity to listen to a presentation from people who had been affected by suicide in different forms, over the years. The meeting was organised by the support learning group, Action for Men, and was an amazing experience. The chaplain in Tallaght hospital, Ms Kathleen O'Connor, facilitated the meeting. It brought home to us the difficulties associated with suicide, the effects it has on communities etc. I said at the time that there is a political dimension to these issues and as such political initiatives are required. In that context I am always happy to acknowledge the contribution that is made on a regular basis to this debate by Deputy Neville. We all should applaud the work he does in that regard. I listened carefully to his contribution last night, and it is important that we support the ideals being expressed.

An initiative has emerged in Tallaght following the sad death of teenager Darren Bolger, about three years ago, in Kilnamanagh, which got wide coverage in the national media. Arising from that sad incident, his mother, Maureen, has developed a teenline initiative over the last couple of years. This type of initiative is something we should strongly support. The message came across at that young man's funeral and subsequently, through contacts with his family, that very often teenagers need someone to talk to, particularly at critical times. It is important that we understand the particular needs in that regard.

We all talk about teenage suicides. Coming to the House this morning I heard Pat Kenny doing a trailer for an item he is to do on that subject. I made the point at the Tallaght meeting that I am often fascinated by incidents of suicide involving elderly people. I am, of course, mindful of young people who, as the subject of this motion, are often under enormous pressure. In Arbour Hill, yesterday, the Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor made the point that it was even more dangerous, nowadays, to be a young person, bearing in mind the pressures and difficulties they encounter as regards drugs, alcohol abuse and so on. However, I am also emphasising that there is clearly another group that is affected by suicide, namely, the elderly and I hope the Minister of State will continue to examine that.

I picked up a point from Deputy Neville last night as regards the way suicide is accepted nowadays. The traditional view until recently was that if people committed suicide and families were affected, the best course was not to acknowledge it. Coroners' courts frequently put "death by misadventure" on death certificates. It is a healthy sign of the development of the community and the country that there is now an acceptance and acknowledgement that a problem exists. I am often impressed at church services where the reality of what is occurring is accepted. There is no question, however, that families and communities are deeply affected. All of us have had contact with families affected by suicide. We know issues have to be resolved as regards who is to blame, what the conflicts were, what should or could have been done etc. It is a subject that requires great sensitivity, but clearly needs action. I am glad the Minister of State has made the point that efforts are being made at health board level and through the Department of Health and Children to have educational projects targeting this area and more can be done in this regard.

I call on the Department and the Government to continue their work in this regard. Serious consideration should be given to providing an information pack for every home in the country, where people can examine the issues, see what is involved and in particular, learn how responses may be made. There is a job to be done. As legislators, we all have a responsibility to ensure that as much action as possible is taken on this subject. The Government should send information leaflets to every home in the State giving families an idea of how they should respond and providing them with as much information as possible. Such an initiative would not change things overnight as there are many other issues. The families affected by suicide often find it very difficult to access services and to find out what should be done.

Officials from the Department have made the point at the health hearings that they have to deal with a great number of issues. This issue is worthy of our attention.

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