Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Independent)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for the opportunity to say a few words on this important, yet difficult, subject. I welcome the report of the committee and compliment its members on their good work. Over the years, Deputy Neville has shown a particular interest in this area and has given the benefit of his valuable advice to various Members. The report contains the results of much excellent work and makes 33 recommendations. I welcome the assurance of the committee's chairman, Deputy Moloney, that the report will not gather dust. I also welcome the Minister of State's announcement that some 20 projects across the country have received approximately €1 million in funding from dormant accounts. That is a welcome start and I hope that when we discuss this matter again in six or 12 months time, all 33 recommendations will have been implemented.

While I welcome funding for such projects, I note that no funding has been provided for clubs such as the No Name Clubs which do excellent work for young people around the country. They try to ensure that young teenagers can enjoy themselves in an alcohol-free environment. The work of these clubs is very important and I hope the Minister of State will examine how he might support them.

Suicide is a big issue and, unfortunately, over the years the numbers have increased. Back in the 1960s, there were approximately 160 suicides a year, while in the 1980s the number had risen to 220. In 2004, however, some 457 suicides were recorded, which is a huge figure. The problem is multiplying. In previous years, there was a problem of under-reporting but I hope that issue has been overcome to a large extent. Ireland is not alone in this respect because internationally the situation is also difficult, with an estimated one suicide occurring every 40 seconds. In Scotland, there are two suicides every day. A recent report indicated that Ireland has the second highest suicide rate of 30 OECD countries.

This problem has touched almost every family in the country over the years, causing difficulties for bereaved families. In one case that I know of personally, a whole family has been devastated by the experience. It is not a one-off matter; it is commonplace. Deputy Carey spoke of clusters of suicides occurring in his constituency, but that has happened throughout the country in recent years.

I wish to say something about youth suicide. The environment in which teenagers grow up now is totally different from that experienced by previous generations. We live in a highly stressed and information-packed society. Competition for success in personal relationships and academic achievement is intense among young people. Teenagers are expected to participate in extra-curricular activities in addition to doing homework and household duties in a highly pressurised atmosphere. Today's world is different from the one in which we grew up. Ireland is now a highly materialistic society and young people expect to have access to significant resources. Many young people feel it necessary to undertake part-time work as well as attending school, which places further pressure on them. Such a lifestyle can expose young people to alcohol, particularly at night-time and, consequently, alcohol might begin to play a major role in their daily lives.

The loss of a friend through suicide can be traumatic for young people, whereas adults may be better able to cope in such situations. Nowadays, teenagers need to solve problems quickly and they seek instant solutions which are not practicable. Young people are living in a different society, which is highly pressurised and materialistic. That is the background to the problem of suicide.

Road deaths are highlighted every day but while suicide is a bigger problem, it does not seem to have attracted public attention to the same extent. Since the 1960s, there has been a 300% increase in alcohol consumption and there is no doubt about the correlation between that and suicide among young people. That is one reason I would like to see the advertising of alcohol banned completely. Legislation to effect such a ban should be introduced in due course.

I commend the Samaritans on the work it has done on this issue. This week, the organisation launched the developing emotional awareness and learning, DEAL, initiative in secondary schools. That type of approach is vital because statistics indicate that emotional difficulties are encountered among 20% of students. There is no doubt that the early targeting of young people by providing them the information and wherewithal to deal with problems is a positive step in terms of fighting suicide.

The text service which the Samaritans have provided since April highlights the fact that young people can find it difficult to raise their problems with parents, peers and professionals. I hope young people will be able to refer themselves to psychiatric services. Previous speakers have pointed out the difficulties that exist in terms of the gap between youth and adult psychiatric services and I too would like that issue to be addressed.

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