Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is one long-term recommendation in the report. The report states that there is a higher risk of suicide and suicidal behaviour in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation such as Clondalkin, Ballyfermot and Tallaght. It also states that there are higher than average rates of self-harm with myriad challenges faced by young women in particular, in addition to the lack of adult mental health staff in the area. The recommendation is that the HSE and the National Office of Suicide Protection should take steps to ensure the participation of both St. James's Hospital and Tallaght Hospital in the national clinical programme. I urge that this not be a long-term goal. It is something that should be implemented very quickly. These areas are crying out for 24-7 access to emergency mental health supports. These women would like to have help when and where they need it. I know I keep saying that. The Minister of State mentioned figures about people who were not linked into mental health agencies, but many of those people would have turned up to an accident and emergency department and not had their needs met. They were turned away. The statistics do not always capture everything.

I join the Minister of State in extending my heartfelt condolences to all the families of these women who have passed away by suicide and to anybody who has been affected by suicide as well.

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