James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Neville for raising this important issue. I recognise, as he does, that the figures we have for suicide could in fact be an awful lot higher if single vehicle accidents were considered. We have seen some tragedies, including one more recently in a foreign clime involving an Irish couple who ended up losing children as a consequence of a man with suicidal intent. I would like to take this opportunity to convey our deepest sympathies to the family concerned.

I agree with Deputy Neville that the response needs to be community-wide and involve the sort of people to whom he has alluded who reach deep into the community at many different levels, including gardaí and clergy. The business community is particularly vulnerable in a recession and there is a role for chambers of commerce, parish councils and other community groups. We need to harness all these groups to try to tackle this problem which is of a very serious nature and a real priority for the Government.

I commend the National Office for Suicide Prevention on the ASIST and SafeTALK programmes. I agree with Deputy Neville that we need to destigmatise mental health issues, which are the same as any other health issues. That is why we want all primary care centres to have a mental health facility. People with mental health issues should attend their local primary care centre in the same way as if they had a sore throat or a chest pain.

We must recognise that not just for the last couple of decades, but also for centuries, psychiatry and mental health issues have been the Cinderella of our health services. They do require particular attention and will receive that from this Government.

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