Cyprian Brady (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State. I congratulate the HSE, the health boards before them and the Department of Health and its staff on the national strategy document. It is a comprehensive and targeted document that includes 26 areas of action. It shows us the way forward. From 2005 to 2014 may seem like a long time but that indicates the complexity of this issue, and it is probably one of the most complex and perplexing issues to face the country. The statistics on suicide in Ireland are frightening. When one considers that this the most common cause of death among our young people today, we all have a role and an obligation to try to reduce the incidence of suicide and to find alternatives for people who are vulnerable, specifically young people. In a recent report, the OECD pointed out that out of a group of 30 countries Ireland has the second highest rate of suicide among people under 25 years of age.

The stigma attached to suicide, depression and mental illness in general is still a huge issue for people in this country. The stigma it brings to a family is probably the most difficult type to deal with and its consequences are deep and long lasting. It has been pointed out that due to the changing nature of our family structures, it is becoming more difficult for people to cope with daily life. In the national study conducted in 2001, which was mentioned by other speakers, it was found that two thirds of those who died by suicide lived at home with other family members. The family unit is a crucial target when building awareness, as is pointed out by the strategy. It is also crucial in building supports for people who might be vulnerable.

I have teenage children and I see how difficult life is for them compared to my teenage years. There are many more pressures, be it peer pressure, media pressure and so forth. Time has brought social changes. Marriage break up and divorce put huge pressure on people. Everybody copes with situations such as bereavement, family separation and so forth in different ways but young people need support and reassurance. How they grow up, get through school and deal with their family, friends and the wider community will play a part in how the person deals with any stress and particularly with severe stress.

The strategy points out that statutory agencies have a crucial role to play. There is particular emphasis on schools. The strategy recognises the role of schools in building up a positive attitude to mental well being and in building up resilience among young people. From primary school to third level, major advances have been made through the inclusion of mental health issues in the curriculum and in the provision of staff and resources. SPHE is a welcome initiative which has proven very successful. It is now compulsory in secondary schools. It plays a vital role in making young people aware and in strengthening the links between education and health.

In my constituency I work with various groups and schools and I see how these programmes work. Under the home school liaison programme staff visit young people in their homes. They see their living conditions, the parental arrangements and the community in which they live. These initiatives can play a huge role in dealing with suicide prevention. One of the Senators mentioned early intervention programmes. The younger the age at which these take place, the better. When one talks to children about these matters it is difficult for them to understand at first but as they grow older and take part in programmes such as SPHE, they quickly get a good grasp of the subject.

Other groups have a vital role in dealing with this issue, particularly youth groups, clubs and organisations. The strategy refers to this. The National Youth Council, the National Youth Federation, Foróige, Gaisce, the Catholic Youth Council, Macra na Feirme, the Union of Students in Ireland, Comhairle le Leasóige and many more groups were consulted and asked for their inputs when the strategy was being compiled. These groups have vast experience dealing with young people and the population in general.

The strategy also points to the importance of sports and organised activities in suicide prevention. Sport provides positive role models. The Department, in fact, has been concentrating on selecting good role models for young people. All studies show that suicide victims are more likely not to be members of organised clubs or organisations. This is an area where we can act. I have seen the benefits of investing through the young persons' services and facilities fund in different areas, particularly areas of disadvantage. Suicide as an issue does not recognise class barriers but in some areas of disadvantage life is more difficult for children. The more we invest in these areas, the better. Greater investment in sports facilities, play areas, buildings and rooms for organisations and sports clubs will bring us greater benefit in the future.

The strategy examined the detailed causes of suicide. Alcohol and drug abuse are major factors. We have made progress in highlighting this link but we must do more to underline for young people the connection between these factors and suicide. One study showed that in 90% of suicides either a mental illness, such as depression or schizophrenia, or an intoxicant problem was present. That is a startling statistic. We must use imaginative ways of attracting young people's attention to explain this to them.

We must change the way suicide is reported. It is accepted that the incidence of suicide is under-reported. Coroners' hands are tied in cases involving car crashes or poisoning where, due to a lack of evidence, they cannot be reported as suicides. That is another matter that must be examined.

Everybody has a role to play in dealing with this issue. The strategy shows the way forward. It provides for ongoing monitoring and research and I believe it will prove to be of benefit in the future. The strategy relates to the period 2005 to 2014, which might appear to be a long time but this is a very complex issue.