Frank Feighan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State's statement. It is recognised by everybody that the levels of suicide and parasuicide are alarming and tragic. The challenge facing society is a reduction in the number of these tragedies and suicide prevention. It is a difficult issue which for a long time was not given the attention it merited. In the past there was a great reluctance to even discuss it. Depression carried a stigma to such an extent that it was referred to as the hidden illness. Thankfully, this attitude has changed dramatically in recent years. Great efforts are being made by professional carers and voluntary arrangements to combat suicide which is a difficult problem and prevention is often impossible.

Everybody has seen the shock suicide generates in people and communities. Even personally, one does not know what to say or do. It causes great distress in all communities. One can hardly imagine the shock and trauma for family members. It never leaves them and results in an extended number of victims. They are always left with the question: Why? I hope the work being done will reduce the numbers involved and spare more families this terrible tragedy.