Nicky McFadden (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this serious matter. Like Deputy Buttimer, I would like to acknowledge the great work Deputy Dan Neville has done in this area and his sensitivity in dealing with people and the issues. I also acknowledge the positive approach the Minister of State is taking towards this issue. In talking about suicide, we should consider families throughout the country who have lost a member through suicide. I extend my condolences to all of those people. The facts and figures on suicide are sobering to say the least.

As the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has stated previously, provisional figures for 2009 show an increase of 4% in suicide to 527 deaths. In this era of constant number crunching, it is easy to get bogged down in facts and figures, but 527 is not just a number. It is the death of 527 Irish men, women and young people who felt there was no other way out but to take their own lives. This is a sobering thought. Not only should we be troubled by this fact, we should also consider the families of those people and the profound effect these deaths have on them and the community.

The increase in suicide rates is mainly seen in men in the middle age group. There is no doubt that unemployment and serious financial difficulties account for many of these deaths. The prevalence of suicide in middle aged men is a fact that needs to be addressed without a moment's hesitancy.

Of course, younger and older people are included in these tragic figures. It is estimated that suicide rates have increased in the past two years by 24% and self-harm rates by 11%. Family difficulties, bullying, stress, anger and isolation are also serious contributory factors to suicide rates. The first step in decreasing suicide rates is to get rid of the stigma attached. Until quite recently, up to 1993, suicide was considered a crime. We must urgently remove the phrase "committing suicide" from our vocabulary. Mental illness should be discussed openly and frankly without any sense of sensationalism or scandal. Access to mental health services must be readily available to anyone who experiences mental health difficulties. Having worked in a GP practice, I believe the first port of call for people suffering from mental illness is their GP. It is important that GPs are readily accessible to people who are in trouble, and receive training on how to deal with suicidal thoughts and related issues.

It is not just in GP surgeries that this training should take place. Schools, youth clubs and other community organisations should be educated in this area. Discussion and open debate will create an environment where those who are depressed or having suicidal thoughts will be more inclined to talk openly about their feelings, thereby improving their chances of receiving the necessary help and advice. In schools there should be a greater focus on life skills education. Students should have access to self-esteem programmes, and learn assertiveness and resilience-building skills to equip them for the future.

We need a societal change in how we approach the issue of suicide. Openness, understanding and professionalism are needed to help those at risk. Greater observance is also needed and we need to know the telltale signs of depression or suicidal thoughts. I recommend that everyone should attend the suicide ASIST workshop. I did and it was probably one of the best things I have ever done. It outlines the telltale signs and gives participants the skills to deal with people at risk of suicide. Dr. Jacky Jones, a former regional manager of health promotion with the HSE, described the course as the mental health equivalent of neighbourhood watch.

I commend the National Office for Suicide Prevention website. To members of the media I recommend reading the media guidelines for reporting suicide and self-harm published by the Irish Association of Suicidology and the Samaritans. A number of organisations do great work in this area. Representatives of 1life campaigned outside Leinster House before Easter. It has a 24 hours a day, seven days a week dedicated suicide intervention and prevention helpline on 1800 24 7 100. That organisation helped 36,000 callers in its first year and receives more than 3,000 calls every month. I also recommend the organisation Suicide or Survive which can be contacted at 1890 577 577. Suicide or Survive provides a range of educational and therapeutic programmes that increase understanding of suicide and play an active role in its prevention in Ireland.

People should know that they are not alone and that help is available. On an individual basis, people should be aware of friends, family members or work colleagues who may be dealing with mental health difficulties. A simple action like just being a friend to somebody can be the most important thing in the world. I hope that all the contributions to this debate will help in tackling the risk of suicide.

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