Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish to speak about the very sensitive issue of suicide and the effect it has on the people in our country and their families, friends and neighbours.

Sadly and tragically, more than 4,000 people have died through suicide in the past eight years. We have seen changes in that time and I thank the current and past Governments for the efforts that have been made and the moneys that have been invested in psychiatric services. Of course, we could be critical and say that more should be done, but I want to go through the positives of what we have been trying to do and highlight what we need to do to try to save more lives, which is what I want to achieve by having this debate with the Taoiseach in an open and frank way.

There is an onus of responsibility on each of us throughout political parties and the Independents. We have a job of work to do, that being, to try to save people in every way we can. Unfortunately, I have seen a new issue arising in my own county and across the border into County Cork, that is, the tragic deaths of mothers of young families, including in recent months, leaving families devastated. This has concentrated my mind on the issue. I was grateful to have had the opportunity to serve for many years on a psychiatric services committee on the old Southern Health Board. I like to think that I learned a great deal about mental illness in all its shapes and forms. I commend organisations like Pieta House on its Darkness into Light fundraiser, through which it has raised millions of euro in recent years; the Samaritans; local GPs; counsellors; and people who do their best.

I wish to speak about young people, who face a new problem, that is, online bullying and social media. This brings new challenges. The Ceann Comhairle will respect the way I wish to deal with this matter, as I will not mention a specific case, names or the like. Recently, there was an event in our courts system where a person who told untruths online was punished financially for doing so. We need to see more of that. We need to see more challenges being taken against keyboard warriors, these bullies who are intent on intimidating people. I know that, when I sit down this evening, I will receive a text message or another message from a particular individual who has taken it upon himself or herself in recent years to get on my back. I do not give a damn about this person because I am able for that type of abuse, but what about younger people who have to put up with such nonsense? It might tip them over the edge on a bad day.

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