Michael McCarthy (Labour)

The reality of suicide in this country is a difficult issue to face not least for the families who are suffering because of it, but for society as a whole and that contributes in no small way to the under-reporting of suicide. Yesterday in Belfast, Youth Suicide Prevention, a joint initiative between the Health Development Agency and Institute of Public Health in Ireland, held a seminar and released details of a report they carried out in this area. They assert that suicide accounts for one third of all deaths in the 15 to 24 age group. More young people here are dying as a result of suicide than were killed in road traffic accidents. That is a harrowing reality.

In the report, the organisations identified a number of recommendations they want taken on board by Governments North and South of the Border. The report identifies key risk factors that need to be addressed when developing future youth suicide prevention programmes. Those recommendations touch on a number of areas including, a history of suicide, a history of depression, substance misuse, poor family communications and certain characteristic traits such as poor problem-solving ability. This is a sensitive issue that needs to be debated and highlighted. I would appreciate if the Leader could arrange for this issue to be debated in the House.

Yesterday, Joe Duffy's radio programme concentrated on the crisis in our accident and emergency services. I am not suggesting that radio chat shows should be used as a measure to gauge the crisis in accident and emergency services or any other sector. However, by the end of the show enough health professionals had phoned in to advise that there was capacity for in excess of 230 beds, which matches the number of people currently lying on trolleys in hospital corridors. The mismanagement of accident and emergency services was again highlighted by that programme.

Senator O'Toole mentioned the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. I am glad the board is up and running as a result of the recommendations of Dorothea Dowling and the Motor Insurance Advisory Board. However, exorbitant premia are still being quoted to young motorists for motor insurance. There has been a decrease in the cost of motor insurance premia in general, but the increase in public liability insurance premia and the exorbitant profits insurance companies are making are frustrating for many ordinary decent motorists. I know of a 19 year old serving an apprenticeship who lives in a rural town who is paying over €5,000 for his motor insurance. That is scandalous and the issue needs to be debated.