Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)

I am sure the Taoiseach will join me in welcoming the Meany family from the Lower Glanmire Road and Ballyvolane to the Public Gallery.

As reported by RTÉ and the Irish Examiner, a HSE inquest issued an apology on Tuesday, 29 April for the death almost six years ago of Mr. Anthony Hennessy of Mallow, County Cork, in a room in St. Stephen's Hospital in Glanmire near Cork city. On 25 November 2019, Anthony died by suicide in an HSE-run secure mental health unit. His death while under the care of the State is not only tragic but is a damning reflection of the broken system. The HSE, in its own review, identified its failures, yet suicide prevention training remains optional rather than mandatory for staff in these high-risk settings. Will the Government commit to making accredited suicide prevention training, such as skills training on risk management, STORM, mandatory for all staff, both clinical and support, in secure mental health units? Will the Taoiseach support the establishment of an independent investigation into all suicides in these facilities and ensure transparency, accountability and justice for the families?

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