Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)

It is a dreadful fact that suicide is the most common cause of death among young people in Ireland aged 15 to 24 years. It is not surprising, therefore, that every one of us will have a friend, neighbour or relative who has been directly affected by such tragedy.

The questions before us are how effective are our health agencies in responding to this major national issue and have even the most basic measures been introduced to assist those who might seek help. Yesterday, I put these questions to the test when my office telephoned a number of health agencies to ask a basic question, namely, whether we could be put through to a suicide helpline or an emergency telephone contact number for suicide. We started with the main telephone number for the Department of Health and Children and were put through to the mental health services. I was hopeful at this point but after a period on hold we were informed that no helpline or contact number was available and were advised to try the Samaritans. The attitude to our request was one of surprise.

We then tried the main telephone number of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, now known as the eastern region of the Health Service Executive. We were put through to an information line which gave us a suicide bereavement helpline number. When we called this number we were informed it was not in service. Having double checked the number with the same negative result, we called the Health Service Executive information line again and were given a second number. On telephoning this number we were greeted with a voice message that we had reached the AWARE helpline. This message was repeated six times before we were cut off.

We then tried the main telephone number for the former Northern Area Health Board and were immediately given the name of a counsellor designated as a suicide officer and a direct telephone number. When we rang, we were greeted by another voice message informing us that we had reached the Health Service Executive, offices hours were from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2.14 p.m. to 5 p.m. and we should leave a message after the tone. The call was made at 4.30 p.m. on Wednesday. If this is the best our health service has to offer on a mid-week working day, what would have been the response to a crisis call late on a Friday or Saturday evening? We all know the answer.

Where does our experience of the system leave the statements in the Government amendment, which notes, for example, the "many initiatives undertaken by Government" since 1998, including "the development, in each health service area, of a directory of statutory services" and "the appointment of suicide resource officers in each health service area". The amendment is shamefully bogus and I call on the Minister to withdraw it in light of what I have said. Suicide continues to be largely ignored, a fact the Minister of State should admit, and urgent basic action is required immediately.

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