Richard O'Donoghue (Limerick County, Independent) | Oireachtas source

First and foremost, I would like to sympathise with Deputy Michael Collins and his family on the death of his nephew and friend - a young man who left this life due to suicide.

Friends of mine have died from suicide. Friends' children have died from suicide. Mental health is a big problem in this country. It is a bigger problem if the most vulnerable people, when they go out and ask for help, cannot get help in areas when they need it. A good friend of mine passed away from suicide. I met him two days before he died and I did not know.

All men can say they are big and show bravado. I would say to the males of this country that they should turn around and talk to somebody. Females are way better at spreading their problems and looking for help but males think it is not macho to do that. It is absolutely the opposite. Anyone can ask for help. A problem shared is a problem halved. Whether you are male or female, it does not make you any less of a person. It makes you a better person when you can do something like that.

I know the Minister of State is doing her best in the place she is in but much more can be done within the services to help people who share. When they share their problem with us and they do not get help, that is where I have a big concern.

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