Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The last time the Seanad discussed suicide was in May this year but it is fitting that we again debate it in the context of Reach Out — A National Strategy for Action on Suicide Prevention 2005-2014. That we are debating the issue is important. For too long, people, including politicians, were wary and shied away from discussing suicide. It is refreshing that there is now more openness and that people are prepared to talk about the subject rather than brush it under the carpet, which was previously the case.

We must examine and debate how the cultural and economic changes that have taken place in Ireland over the past decade have detached people from traditional values and support. That might also have a formal link with mental health and suicidal behaviour. Influencing the way individuals react to changes in their social life will be central to the prevention of suicide. Young people tend to be hard on themselves. Success is increasingly an important goal in society. Individual success appears to be even more important. This places great pressures on young people. Their perception is that anything can be achieved if one works hard and is smart but if one fails, it must be down to oneself. Society seems to no longer help those who fail or those who perceive themselves as failures.

The uncertainties of life are increasing, as we are all aware. Life seems dictated by what we can own, what we can buy and what brand one wears. Young people are faced with choices that would have been unthinkable in previous generations. At the same time the cultural icons of the past, such as the church and our own political establishments, have been debased in the eyes of the young.

One may ask are adolescents more vulnerable to perceived failure today or is it that they are less likely to ask for help. The pressure to succeed academically at all costs is another area which needs to be examined. Suicide prevention is not just another health issue; it is also an educational issue. That has been pointed out in the report which emphasises that there is a greater need for more education in letting people know how they can solve their problems, how they can talk about issues and that help is available. Research, understanding and analysis of the pressures on young people are vital if we are to address this epidemic of suicide. We must regard suicide prevention as a multidimensional area that requires promotion and investment. This also comes out strongly in the report.

International research has proven that there is a link between alcohol consumption and suicidal behaviour. Alcohol consumption leads to depression which is a major factor in suicide and suicidal behaviour. Likewise, depressed people frequently turn to alcohol in the mistaken belief that it will improve their mood. We all know that alcohol impairs judgment, reduces inhibition, increases risk taking behaviour and may result in impulsive suicide and suicidal behaviour, most frequently in the young.

There has been report after report. What we need now is action and the provision of resources to implement the various recommendations, not only in this latest report but in other reports, especially the report of the National Suicide Review Group which was set up in 1998. Fewer than ten of the 86 recommendations of the national task force on suicide have been implemented. Reports are welcome but are useless unless we are prepared to provide the resources to implement their recommendations. I urge the Minister of State to secure the necessary funding.

I acknowledge the Minister of State's commitment to mental health but the reduction in the level of investment in the psychiatric services is unforgivable. In 1997 such spending formed 13% of the total health budget whereas it now forms 7%. There is a need to act on that. I strongly urge the Minister of State to secure the necessary funding and ensure that the recommendations of this fine report are implemented.