Tim O'Malley (Limerick East, Progressive Democrats)

I thank the Senators who contributed to this useful debate. I have had a huge interest in this topic for many years and the debate has been extremely useful. Senator Hanafin referred to a recent survey on attitudes to suicide carried out by Lundbeck. Why should companies that have a vested interest in the treatment of suicide conduct such a survey? I ask Senators to dwell on this point. Leadership should come from politicians and other leaders in society. I have been involved in this area for many years and I see vested interests leading the thought processes. I see the need for a bigger role to be played by teachers, clergy and other groups in this area.

I compliment Senators Brady and Brian Hayes for tabling this topic for discussion. I hope this will become an annual event. I am willing to address the Seanad at any time. Can Senators imagine this debate taking place in Irish society 20 or 30 years ago? It would not have happened. We still talk about suicide as having a stigma attached but at least it is now in the open. We forget that we have made progress in demystifying and removing much of the stigma. Of course, that does not mean we do not still have a major problem in this area.

In modern society we are always rushing about and do not know where we are going half of the time. On any street of any village or town one will see the people passing each other while using their mobile telephones. They do not greet the people they see on the street. Long ago one spent half an hour talking when one went to the creamery or to Mass and this was hugely valuable to society. People knew one another and took a real interest in their neighbours. Unfortunately, society has lost much of this.

Senator Feighan referred to the benefits of sport. Participation in sport is hugely important. I believe sport, music and the arts are as important as any subject in the school curriculum. It is important that everyone in society should have outlets other than work.