Seanad debates

Thursday, 27 February 2003

Suicide Incidence: Statements.

 

The key is to destigmatise suicide so that it is viewed as an illness which has fatal consequences, but which can be prevented. We must realise that our society is going through a very rapid transition. So many of our value systems are being swept away, including many of the pillars that supported people in society. Religious values are gone and we have put nothing in their place. It requires a huge community effort to do that. In the meantime, there should be immediate and available help and counselling for people at risk. There should be encouragement towards self-respect and the creation of an identity and the removal of the appalling sense of worthlessness or inferiority that drives people over the edge. I wish the Minister of State well in his efforts.

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