Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)

I appreciate the opportunity to speak on this issue. I acknowledge the many contributions to this debate made by Deputies from all sides of the House in recent weeks. I hope some of the very positive suggestions and ideas mentioned here over the course of the discussion can some day be implemented where possible. Unfortunately, like every Deputy, I have known many people who have died as a result of suicide. I recently considered the very shocking statistic that three out of 120 from my secondary school year group have died as a result of suicide and most of us have not reached the age of 30 yet. That is just one example and there are similar examples from throughout the country. It is a very sad and tragic situation. I hope that through these statements, along with the actions of the Government and various State agencies, this problem can be tackled and we can see an improvement. Unfortunately, each death is one too many and any improvement needs to be built on.

It is an issue that affects every part of the country, crossing geographical and social boundaries. It will take a very comprehensive approach to tackle the issue. Our approach to the problem of suicide needs to incorporate actions from every Department and is not simply a problem for the Department of Health and Children. Many aspects of the problem relate to other Departments and we need a comprehensive approach to the issue. For example the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has a major part to play. The links between physical activity and mental and physical well being have been well proven, and that needs to be improved and worked on. Sporting clubs and organisations that do fantastic work for their local communities have a role to play in helping to tackle this problem. The Department of Education and Skills has a major role to play in shaping attitudes to the problem, informing our young people and helping to eliminate the stigma that as many speakers have mentioned is still a large aspect of the problem.

As Deputy McFadden said, the media need to report suicide incidents in a very sensitive and appropriate manner at all times regardless of the individual involved. Unfortunately, when a celebrity or well known individual is involved, there seems to be a deviation from the best practice code, which needs to be tackled.

Even local government has a role to play. It has been proven that pet ownership can help to tackle the problem of depression and yet, according to the ISPCA, 30,000 dogs are put to sleep every year. Britain has a scheme offering those suffering from depression the opportunity to avail of dog ownership with the thinking that people will engage in more physical activity by simply walking the dog and that interaction between humans and dogs can be therapeutic and helpful. This is only a very small suggestion but could perhaps be considered. It will not solve the problem but could certainly help. If but one life could be saved as a consequence, it should be considered.

I acknowledge the considerable contribution by Deputy Dan Neville, who has dedicated years to addressing this issue and who has done fantastic work on mental health. Much work on suicide and self-harm has already been done by the State and State agencies. When I asked a question about suicide statistics and the problem of suicide in the HSE south area at the regional health forum for that area in February, the response I received was very comprehensive and detailed. It proved that so much work has already been done in this area. Unfortunately, however, we seem to be losing the battle. We need to consider how best we can use our resources and the agencies of the State already working on this issue to try to improve circumstances overall.

Next Saturday morning I will be taking part in the Pieta House-sponsored Darkness into Light walk, which will take place at 4 a.m. in Killarney National Park. The walk symbolises the move from darkness into light and is in remembrance of a number of locals who died by suicide. The initiative and similar initiatives need to be welcomed and encouraged. They all help to eliminate the stigma that is, unfortunately, still associated with suicide in Ireland in 2011.

I will be delighted to attend the See Change campaign briefing on Wednesday, 11 May from 9.30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Oireachtas audiovisual room. I encourage all Deputies to attend. I know many will be attending, having spoken to them. The campaign is an example of a positive initiative that needs to be encouraged.

I sympathise with all those affected by suicide who may be watching this debate on the Internet or who may read the transcript thereof at some stage. Possibly every household in the country has been affected by suicide, a problem on which we all need to work together to solve.

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