Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

I thank Deputies who contributed to the debate. I would welcome a debate at any time and obviously we have not had enough time this afternoon. Several other speakers wished to contribute.

In my initial remarks I welcomed the President's intervention in calling a forum and the points made by Dr. Bates on the "Marian Finucane" programme recently. I hope the other speakers were not insinuating the President acted because of a lack of leadership on my part. I discussed this matter with the President and I welcome any contribution from anybody to solve the problem. Deputy Gay Mitchell correctly pointed out that the problem of suicide goes right across society. It is not a matter for one particular political party, and it concerns all societies, not just in Ireland.

I concur with all other speakers on the involvement of Deputy Neville in this issue. I thank him for his contribution again today. He is right in saying that unemployment is one of the biggest factors in suicide and recent reports agree with that. I disagree with Senator Neville that only eight of the 86 recommendations——

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