Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I support the request for a debate on suicide. This is a most important issue here and also in Northern Ireland. It would be helpful to know whether there had been any epidemiological or other studies made about the incidence of what is an extremely complex issue.

I support the request from Senator Brian Hayes for information about the human rights arrangements. He is correct that there is complementarity in the Good Friday Agreement, under which it is inherent that arrangements should be made in this jurisdiction. It is the subject of much comment and criticism, especially by Unionists in Northern Ireland. Apart from this, there is an intrinsic case for human rights protection and the incorporation of the European Convention on Human Rights in our domestic law, which should stand in its own right. It would be helpful to know when progress can be expected on this.